Rust doesn't belong in the Linux Kernel

https://felipec.wordpress.com/2025/02/13/rust-not-for-linux/

by wolfspaw • 1 year ago

9 6 1 year ago

felipec.wordpress.com

sylware• 1 year ago

The general idea is 'ultra complex syntax' languages does not belong to the kernel.

That said, inline assembly should be optional and many c11 ISO tantrums should not be there too...

overflyer• 1 year ago

I hope Zig makes it into the kernel one day!

tharne• 1 year ago

Rust is a promising language, but it's being hobbled by the culture of it's "community".

demi56• 1 year ago

Oh, the community is the reflection on how the language is being maintained

iLemming• 1 year ago

That was amusing to read, some interesting thoughts and reflections. I have no horses in this race - I don't write neither C nor Rust on a daily basis, can someone tell me about the current state of affairs, is there any Rust in the Linux kernel yet? Or the merits of that decision are still being disputed?

felipec• 1 year ago

There is Rust support and there is a couple of small drivers, that's about it.

The decision being disputed is not going to be affected by the shenanigans of Hector Martin, the process is going to be followed as usual.

David Airlie summarized it nicely:

That is the process we are committed to, everyone has a voice and gets to be heard, and we move forward in the appropriate manner with each maintainer. Bypassing maintainers is the last resort, not engaging at all with maintainers isn't a productive way forward either. Your below attempt is trying to create a technical solution to a social problem.

So the technical discussion is going to continue in order to attempt consensus and the leadership (i.e. Linus Torvalds) is going to step in only if no consensus is achieved. He is waiting for the discussion to play out.

Everyone is going to be heard, including maintainers who openly admit they don't want Rust in linux.

Rust doesn't belong in the Linux Kernel

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