At Open Source Summit Japan, Linux and Git creator Linus Torvalds talked about Rust in Linux, Linux maintainer fatigue, and AI's future role in Linux and open-source development.

At Open Source Summit Japan, Linux and Git creator Linus Torvalds talked about Rust in Linux, Linux maintainer fatigue, and AI’s future role in Linux and open-source development.

  • wiki_me@lemmy.mlEnglish
    251·
    11 months ago

    That said, Torvalds continued, “Rust has not really shown itself as the next great big thing. But I think during next year, we’ll actually be starting to integrate drivers and some even major subsystems that are starting to use it actively. So it’s one of those things that is going to take years before it’s a big part of the kernel. But it’s certainly shaping up to be one of those.”

    I don’t know about that, languages which are based on standards (c++ , javascript, c) seem to have much better enduring popularity, i don’t want to see rust becoming less and less popular which will lead to less available developers (like what is happening with ruby).

    • TheFriendlyArtificer@beehaw.org
      41·
      11 months ago

      Speaking as a non Rustacean, I’m pretty okay with it becoming more integrated.

      It’s safe, performant, and isn’t any more difficult to pick up than C++. C has a weird aura about it that makes it seem intimidating despite the fact that it is the simplest language (macros notwithstanding) that I’ve ever used.

      Based on Google’s recent track record of mind-boggling incompetence on all fronts, I want Go kept as far away from core functionality as humanly possible. This leaves either adding more cruft to an already ungainly C++, continuing to use Boost (another Google product) with C, or to pivot to a more modern language.

    • jaybone@lemmy.world
      99·
      11 months ago

      Yeah… rust in the kernel scares me. Lol they are already worried about not having enough contributors, so…?

      • onlinepersona@programming.devEnglish
        233·
        11 months ago

        they = rust or the linux kernel?

        The linux kernel doesn’t have enough contributors because it’s really difficult + the entire organisational side of it works on antique tech (IRC and mailinglists). The majority of the project itself is also in C which has a horrible developer experience: linting, documentation, debugging, code completion, and the lack of a proper IDE. The entire development cycle is convoluted. How do you seriously want to attract people to the project if everything looks like it’s still in a development cycle of the 90s?

        If I were to discover a one-line bug in the kernel by reading it, actually testing the one-line fix would take me, as a newbie probably a solid week. Getting it into the kernel itself would probably take even longer.

        The kernel is also known for Linus’ outbursts and being filled with neckbeard elitists. The project in my eyes has an image problem.

        As for rust, if that’s what you meant, I’d be interested in knowing the source for not having enough contributors.