Linux Creator Torvalds Says Rust Adoption in Kernel Lags Expectations
Linus Torvalds discussed the slow integration of Rust into Linux, ongoing development challenges, the importance of updates, skepticism about AI trends, and his focus on practical engineering over grand visions for open-source.
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Linus Torvalds recently discussed the current and future state of the Linux kernel during a conversation with Dirk Hohndel at the Open Source Summit in China. He expressed disappointment that the integration of the Rust programming language into Linux is progressing slowly, attributing this to the reluctance of veteran developers to learn a new language. Torvalds also highlighted ongoing challenges in Linux development, such as memory management issues, despite the kernel being over 30 years old. He emphasized the importance of regular updates and security patches, urging users to avoid outdated kernels. Torvalds remains skeptical about the current AI hype but sees potential for AI tools to assist in code review and bug detection. He noted that the rise of AI has positively influenced Nvidia's involvement in kernel development. Throughout the discussion, Torvalds maintained that the Linux kernel is the core focus of his work, dismissing trends like cloud computing and Kubernetes as secondary concerns. He concluded by stating that he does not have a grand vision for the future of open-source software, preferring to focus on practical engineering tasks.
- Linus Torvalds discussed the slow adoption of Rust in Linux due to developers' reluctance to learn it.
- He emphasized the ongoing need for updates and security patches in the Linux kernel.
- Torvalds expressed skepticism about current AI trends but acknowledged its potential benefits for code review.
- He reaffirmed that the Linux kernel remains his primary focus, viewing other technologies as secondary.
- Torvalds does not envision a grand future for open-source software, preferring to concentrate on immediate engineering challenges.
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1 commentsI often ask, what's wrong with C? Everybody's response: Everything.
What's the solution? Everybody's response: Rust.
In the article he says Rust has a new learning curve to those who already know C and and contribute, and rightfully so, we're talking small niches are very intelligent people already. It's right that they wouldn't want to switch and learn something new, this is their project(s) and they reign with C. Rust has its benefits and while security wise it'd take a CS degree to explain things, Rust wins out.
Most notably, memory safety, rust handles things at compile such as buffer overflows and common bugs with memory management in C, which account for a ton of exploits. In the security world, that's huge.
But in Rust's defense, it has interoperability It's designed to be highly interoperable with C.
Means you can integrate Rust code into existing C projects and call C functions from Rust, making it easier to adopt Rust incrementally. Eases the learning curve for the C dudes.
It'll.. it'll be tricky is all I can say. I don't know Rust but have been a C syntax script/programming/tinkerer my entire life but love everything about Linux to my core so I'm excited about it all!
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