Lachezar Lechev, a Bulgarian software developer and founder of the AeroRust Working Group, brings insights into Rust's role in avionics and drone simulation. Their conversation covers navigating the complexities of Mavlink, the hurdles in specialized job markets, and the balance between professional ambition and personal well-being. They candidly discuss the impact of burnout in tech, emphasizing the need for supportive work cultures and recovery breaks. Lachezar also shares the community's vital role in Rust's evolution, particularly in embedded systems.
Lachezar Lechev discusses the potential of using Rust in avionics, emphasizing the need for a community to support innovative technology in this field.
The importance of managing burnout in software development is highlighted, advocating for breaks to enhance mental well-being and productivity.
Deep dives
Introduction to AeroRust
AeroRust is a working group initiated by Lachesar Lechev, focusing on the application of Rust programming in avionics. The group aims to explore various aspects of avionics systems, including drones and space technology, without being limited to a specific area. Lechev's motivation stemmed from the difficulty of finding employment in the avionics sector in Europe, prompting him to create an open-source community for like-minded enthusiasts. He envisions AeroRust as a collaborative platform that enables the use of Rust in the ever-expanding field of aviation technology.
Exploring Mavlink Protocol
Lechev is currently working on understanding the Mavlink protocol, which is essential for controlling drones. He expresses interest in the potential for autonomous flying and has been researching NASA documents related to rover technologies and autonomous movement on various celestial bodies. Although his exploration is mostly theoretical due to the lack of hardware, he actively engages with simulation tools, including Gazebo, to visualize and test his coding efforts in Rust. This project signifies his commitment to advancing drone capabilities while contributing to aerospace innovations.
Challenges of Embedded Development
Lechev discusses the challenges associated with embedded development, particularly the limitations of existing libraries in Rust. He highlights specific issues encountered while using Serde for serialization and deserialization processes in his work, including discrepancies with JavaScript applications returning data in incompatible formats. These obstacles emphasize the complexity of real-world integration, urging developers to find innovative solutions to bridge gaps between different technologies. Lechev's experiences reflect the ongoing learning curve many face when merging new programming languages like Rust with established systems.
Importance of Breaks and Mental Health
Both speakers emphasize the significance of taking breaks to maintain mental well-being in a demanding work environment. They share personal experiences of burnout, with one noting the need for a two-month break to recharge. The conversation underscores the balance between delivering fast results and prioritizing mental health, which can lead to better productivity and creativity. Their discussion highlights the need for developers to establish healthier work habits and foster a supportive culture within their teams.