Concerns about maintainability and potential risks drive opposition to Rust adoption in the Linux kernel.
Developers working to integrate Rust code into the Linux kernel are facing resistance from core developers who express concerns about the complexities and risks associated with using multiple programming languages within the kernel. This resistance stems from a belief that maintaining a multi-language codebase is inherently challenging and can negatively impact the kernel's stability and maintainability.
One such developer, Christoph Hellwig, a prominent figure in the Linux kernel community, has been vocal in his opposition to using Rust. In a recent discussion, Hellwig stated that he prefers to keep interfaces to the DMA (Direct Memory Access) API in readable C code, arguing that using bindings in languages like Rust makes the codebase less greppable and maintainable. He suggested that developers utilizing non-C languages should maintain their own private bindings to C code and refrain from integrating them directly into the kernel.Hellwig's stance reflects a broader sentiment among some Linux kernel developers who view multi-language projects as a potential source of complications. They argue that the inherent differences between programming languages can create significant challenges during collaborations and maintenance. While acknowledging Rust's potential benefits, they express concerns about its impact on the kernel's established coding practices and potential for introducing unforeseen issues. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges and complexities involved in incorporating new programming languages into existing large-scale software projects
LINUX KERNEL RUST PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE CODE INTEGRATION SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT MAINTAINABILITY SECURITY
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