Ian Ker-Seymer, Staff Software Engineer discusses rb-sys, which integrates Ruby with Rust. Topics include the benefits of WebAssembly, Rust's practical use cases, rb-sys deep dive, challenges with Windows compilation, and the advantages of using Rust in Shopify's stack.
The integration of Rust into the Ruby stack provides a more secure and stable foundation by replacing old C dependencies and leveraging Rust's benefits of improved performance and reliability.
Although the adoption of Rust in the Ruby stack may introduce complexity and friction, tools like RBCIS and Magnus aim to provide a seamless experience and prioritize building a solid foundation for reliability across all platforms.
RBCIS and Magnus are essential tools for integrating Rust into Ruby projects, with RBCIS ensuring reliable builds and cross-platform compatibility, and Magnus offering a high-level safe Rust wrapper that makes it easy to write and integrate Rust code with Ruby, enhancing security, stability, and efficiency.
Deep dives
Adopting Rust for a More Secure and Reliable Stack
The integration of Rust into the Ruby stack is motivated by a desire to replace old, vulnerable C dependencies and build a more solid foundation. RBCIS and Magnus are tools that enable the use of Rust in Ruby projects, offering a safe and seamless integration. By leveraging the benefits of Rust, such as improved performance and reliability, teams can ensure their applications are more secure and stable. The goal is not to completely replace Ruby, but to use Rust where it makes sense, such as in low-level functions, Wasm execution, and ambitious projects. The availability of RBCIS and Magnus allows developers to easily adopt Rust and modernize their Ruby stack.
Addressing Concerns and Friction with Windows Integration
The adoption of Rust in the Ruby stack might raise concerns about the additional complexity and friction it brings, especially for Windows users. However, the key is to invest the time and resources into building a solid foundation and ensuring reliability across all platforms. While Windows compatibility can be a challenge, tools like RBCIS and Magnus strive to provide a seamless experience for developers. The ultimate goal is to make the adoption of Rust as smooth as possible and not disrupt existing workflows or cause unnecessary complications.
The Advantages of Using RBCIS and Magnus
RBCIS and Magnus are two important tools for integrating Rust into Ruby projects. RBCIS provides a solid foundation that ensures reliable builds and cross-platform compatibility, enabling developers to replace old C dependencies with safer and more efficient Rust alternatives. Magnus, on the other hand, offers a high-level safe Rust wrapper, making it easy to write Rust code and integrate it with Ruby. Together, these tools open up possibilities for ambitious projects, while ensuring security, stability, and efficiency in the Ruby stack.
The Importance of Documentation and Contributions
Project like RBCIS and Magnus greatly benefit from contributions and documentation efforts. Creating clear and comprehensive documentation helps users understand and utilize these tools effectively. The Ruby and Rust book in particular is a valuable resource that can be expanded and improved with community involvement. Therefore, anyone with an interest in Rust and Ruby integration is encouraged to contribute to the documentation and provide their insights, making it easier for others to adopt and leverage Rust in their Ruby projects.
Recognizing the Value of Ruby and the Ruby Community
While Ruby may not be as trendy as it once was, there are numerous companies relying on Ruby and Rails for their applications. Ruby has a rich ecosystem and a large user base, making it a solid choice for many projects. By embracing languages like Rust, Ruby can enhance its performance, security, and reliability without completely replacing the language. The key is to understand the unique strengths of different languages and leverage them effectively within a stack.
Allen Wyma talks with Ian Ker-Seymer about his work on rb-sys which easily allows you to integrate Ruby with Rust.
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