Linus Torvalds Speaks on the the divide between Rust and C Linux developers an the future Linux. Will things like fragmentation among the open source community hurt the Linux Kernel? We’ll listen to the Creator of Linux.
For the full key note, checkout: Keynote: Linus Torvalds in Conversation with Dirk Hohndel
The Register’s summary: Torvalds weighs in on ‘nasty’ Rust vs C for Linux debate
I took notes for the benefit of anyone who doesn’t like their info in video form. My attempt to summarize what Linus says:
He enjoys the arguments, it’s nice that Rust has livened up the discussion. It shows that people care.
It’s more contentious than it should be sometimes with religious overtones reminiscent of vi versus emacs. Some like it, some don’t, and that’s okay.
Too early to see if Rust in the kernel ultimately fails or succeeds, that will take time, but he’s optimistic about it.
The kernel is not normal C. They use tools that enforce rules that are not part of the language, including memory safety infrastructure. This has been incrementally added over a long time, which is what allowed people to do it without the kind of outcry that the Rust efforts produce by trying to change things more quickly.
There aren’t many languages that can deal with system issues, so unless you want to use assembler it’s going to be C, C-like, or Rust. So probably there will be some systems other than Linux that do use Rust.
If you make your own he’s looking forward to seeing it.
Thank you for the write-up!!
Good human.
I love you.
You write “vi versus the world” funny.
I use Micro except for when I forget to install it and can’t, at which point I use Nano
Isn’t there Redox OS?
Edit: yes, it’s still alive and kicking.
Doing the lord’s work, thank you.
On a tangential note, what does Linus used, Vi or Emacs?
If we can believe random strangers in the internet, then Linus uses a self maintained lighter version of Emacs, or has. Looks like Linus is an Emacs guy.
my money is on vi or vi derivates.
This is a great summary. Thanks!
There’s one called Redox that is entirely written in Rust. Still in fairly early stages, though. https://www.redox-os.org/
Thank you for the summary!
How is it that no matter what the damn topic is, Linus always seems to be the most level-headed in the room? I really admire him for that…
Edit: Lol, Linus, not Linux. Linus. xD
Linus did have emotion control issues and was not always completely rational, but he’s gone a long way towards being incredibly responsible to his child that powers the world.
Also, he long understands that Linux ain’t a hobby project, which some programmers still get to think.