Linus Torvalds returned to maintaining the Linux kernel after taking time off to work on his behavior and communication skills. This marked a resumption of his leadership role in the Linux development community following a period of reflection and self-improvement.

The Linux kernel Code of Conflict was replaced by a new Code of Conduct based on the Contributor Covenant. Shortly after, Linus Torvalds announced a period of time off to "get some assistance on how to understand people's emotions and respond appropriately".