Linux Rust Support (lore.kernel.org)

Article summary

The article discusses the potential use of Rust as a second language in the Linux kernel. Several companies, including Microsoft and Arm, are interested in using Rust for their needs. The Linux kernel's infrastructure is already in place to support Rust. The use of Rust could potentially improve the security and safety of the kernel.

Main themes

• Rust in Linux kernel
• Formal verification
• Language safety
• Scalability
• Ada/SPARK
• Language popularity
• Kernel development
• Security and safety

What commenters say

• Rust is a safer alternative to existing languages due to its focus on type- and memory-safety.
• Formal verification techniques are not scalable for large codebases like the Linux kernel.
• Rust's approach to safety is more limited than languages that support arbitrary specifications, but it achieves a reasonable degree of safety without incurring overhead.
• The use of Rust in the Linux kernel could be a good compromise between safety and scalability.
• Ada/SPARK is a viable alternative to Rust for achieving formal verification and safety.
• The Linux kernel's size and complexity make it difficult to achieve full formal verification.
• Rust's popularity and enthusiasm from potential contributors make it a more viable option for the Linux kernel than other languages.
• The definition of a 'dead' language is not solely based on the number of users, but also on its ability to adapt to modern needs and requirements.