Re: GR -- Allow AI-Assisted Contributions

On Wed, 18 Feb 2026 at 23:38, Lucas Nussbaum <[email protected]> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Based on recent discussions, it sounds like we probably need a
> discussion in the framework of a GR to understand where we stand
> regarding AI-assisted contributions to Debian.
>
> So, here is an attempt at a proposal.
>
>
I think this is a very good proposal. It does not ban things on arbitrary
basis. It follows community precedent on use of non-free tools in the
development process. And it gives enough guidance to reduce annoying
contributions.

The only thing I'd consider is establishing a process for providing even
more and even more specific guidance to people using AI tools in certain
Debian areas. Like, establishing a team that would provide base instruction
files for AI Agents describing properties of a good AI contribution, like
providing a CAUDE.md file saying things like "minimise changed code lines",
"make added code readable and easy to understand", "if the package has a
test suite add a test covering the added feature", "avoid adding new
dependencies", "make sure that all package tests pass after changes" ...

A collection of best-practices rules (that would also be good for human
contributors to know) in a machine-readable format would be a good way to
improve the baseline quality of contributions.

-- 
Best regards,
    Aigars Mahinovs