If Linus Torvalds stepped away from his position as coordinator of the Linux kernel, it is unlikely many people would notice, according to the man himself.

When asked what would happen if he decided to step away from coordinating kernel development, Torvalds said it certainly would not be the death of Linux.

In a video interview at linux.conf.au in Melbourne last week, Torvalds said:

"The question comes up -- it is not something I really worry about. I also don't worry that it would impact Linux that much. In the end there are so many people involved.

"There are many people who are trusted -- it is not just Andrew [Morton] who would be the obvious step-in replacement and almost nobody would notice.

"There are other people who could take over what I do -- and I would like to think that they would be worse at it but it is not like Linux itself would go away or be in deep trouble," he added.