Discover the exciting integration of Rust into the Linux Kernel and its potential to enhance performance and security. Hear about community dynamics as developers navigate this transition and express varied opinions on code stability. The conversation also dives into the playful BSD challenge, offering lighthearted banter and personal experiences. Plus, explore innovative setups with OpenBSD and tools for effective network monitoring, showcasing the vibrant spirit of open-source collaboration.
Integrating Rust into the Linux kernel is seen as a potential solution to enhance memory safety and reduce bugs in new drivers.
The Linux community is experiencing heated debates regarding Rust's adoption, reflecting broader concerns about burnout and leadership in ongoing development processes.
Linus Torvalds advocates for active engagement with Rust within the kernel, urging maintainers to either embrace its integration or refrain from influencing its development.
Deep dives
The State of Rust in the Linux Kernel
Recent discussions about integrating Rust into the Linux kernel have highlighted both the potential benefits and challenges. The objective is to allow developers to write new drivers using Rust, which addresses various safety issues inherent in C. However, significant opposition has arisen within the community, particularly surrounding a patch that proposes Rust code to enable direct memory access (DMA) within the kernel. Critics express concerns about adding another language to the kernel's ecosystem, while proponents argue that Rust's memory safety features could reduce bugs and improve overall code quality.
Upcoming Southern California Linux Expo (Scale 22X)
The Southern California Linux Expo (Scale 22X) is set to take place in Pasadena, California, and will provide a platform for open-source enthusiasts to gather and share knowledge. The conference aims to be approachable and accessible, featuring multiple events and talks over four days at an affordable price, with an additional promotional code offering discounts on registration. Attendees can expect to network and learn about various aspects of open-source technology, as several events co-located with Scale will cater to diverse interests within the community. Organizers emphasize the importance of volunteer participation to ensure the successful management and execution of the event.
Challenges Faced in Rust Integration
The mailings and discussions surrounding Rust's integration into the Linux kernel have been marked by heated debates and disagreements. Some maintainers express burnout and frustration with the current process, which they feel lacks clarity and support. The introduction of Rust has generated mixed feelings, with some contributors advocating for a cautious approach while others press for its adoption as a means to modernize the kernel. Ultimately, the discussions reveal a broader concern about maintaining a healthy contributor base amidst ongoing changes, as well as the need for effective leadership within the community.
Linus Torvalds' Stance on Rust
Linus Torvalds has been involved in the discussions about Rust, emphasizing that maintainers should engage with Rust code instead of ignoring it. He stated that those who do not wish to deal with Rust should not have a say in its development, suggesting that contributors must either embrace or disengage from the changes. This approach aims to create clear boundaries that allow for the collaborative integration of Rust without stifling its growth. Torvalds' frank communication is seen as an attempt to balance the interests of various stakeholders in the Linux community while pushing for advancement.
Advantages of Rust for New Development
Proponents of Rust argue its introduction could significantly enhance the development of new drivers in the Linux kernel. With the majority of security flaws arising from issues in newly introduced code, using Rust could mitigate risks associated with memory safety problems. The argument highlights that new drivers can be created in Rust, avoiding many common pitfalls while maintaining the kernel's robustness. Those in favor suggest that embracing a mixed-language approach could ultimately lead to a more secure and maintainable kernel in the long run.
There have been major Rust developments in the Linux Kernel; we discuss what's new and how it will impact the future. Plus, we're joined by a special guest.
Greg Kroah-Hartman Makes A Compelling Case For New Linux Kernel Drivers To Be Written In Rust β Yes, mixed language codebases are rough, and hard to maintain, but we are kernel developers dammit, we've been maintaining and strengthening Linux for longer than anyone ever thought was going to be possible. We've turned our development model into a well-oiled engineering marvel creating something that no one else has ever been able to accomplish. Adding another language really shouldn't be a problem, we've handled much worse things in the past and we shouldn't give up now on wanting to ensure that our project succeeds for the next 20+ years. We've got to keep pushing forward when confronted with new good ideas, and embrace the people offering to join us in actually doing the work to help make sure that we all succeed together.
Kees Cook on Rust in the kernel β In other words, I don't see any reason to focus on replacing existing code -- doing so would actually carry a lot of risk. But writing new stuff in Rust is very effective. Old code is more stable and has fewer bugs already, and yet, we're still going to continue the work of hardening C, because we still need to shake those bugs out. But new code can be written in Rust, and not have any of these classes of bugs at all from day one.
Linus Re: Rust kernel policy β You are not forced to take any Rust code, or care about any Rust code in the DMA code. You can ignore it. But "ignore the Rust side" automatically also means that you don't have any say on the Rust side.
Pick: treetrum/amazon-kindle-bulk-downloader β Allows you to bulk download all your Kindle eBook in a more automated fashion. This tool allows you to create backup copies of the books you've already purchased.
