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Is there an easier way forward for rust in linux?

Every week or so there seems to be drama about some old dude shouting about how rust in the Linux kernel is bad. Given all the open hostility, is there easier way for R4L to continue their work?

26 comments
  • Why do you think its a problem that this is discussed a lot? Its a huge deal, so its only good its discussed and not accepted by everyone. I think this is healthy. We only read about the drama and a few quotes, but if you look closer then their argumentation makes a bit more sense. It is not just drama for the sake of drama. Some maybe toxic, that is another thing, because they would be toxic with other topics too.

    Here is in a videoformat from ThePrimeagen (programmer at Netflix, or he was, not sure about current state) going through a recent discussion in the Linux Kernel mailing list about this topic. It's about a hour long and adds some thoughts on its own too, which was valuable to me. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QcQ_128OIw

  • Writing a kernel in two languages when it has for its entire history been written in one is just asking for needless complexity.

    If Rust wants to have a kernel, then perhaps port or re-write Linux in Rust from scratch as a separate project. Once it's reached a point of being self-hosting, let 'the market' decide in an open competition.

    If the Rust version is demonstrably superior and more secure, then it'll naturally supplant 'legacy Linux'.

    • You say it's "needless" complexity. But that's what's up for debate, and most people, including Linus seem to disagree with you.

      It's not a matter of whether Rust is demonstrably superior and more secure, that it is seems to be the common understanding and agreement.

      A new project matching reasonable Kernel feature-parity would be too much effort. It's unrealistic.

      The value is in moving the Kernel itself into a safer space and tool-space.

      The idea that a technically superior solution would naturally supplant an earlier one with a huge market penetration and stability is wishful thinking. We see it in many areas. Without significant issues people at large will stay with what they know and what is popular.

26 comments