Senior Rust Developer at 1Password, Andrew Burkhart, explains how 1Password uses Rust for secure data flow, sync speed, conflict resolution, and SSH. They discuss WASM challenges, Hackathons, Watchtower processing, and Tokio as async runtime for Rust. Andrew shares his Rust learning journey and the importance of security onboarding at 1Password.
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Quick takeaways
One Password's sync process involves client-side conflict resolution due to server encryption.
Integrating Rust with WebAssembly for broader web app compatibility requires optimizing code size.
One Password emphasizes continuous security training and tools like Clide for device compliance.
Leveraging Tokio's asynchronous runtime enhances Rust's capabilities for video application development.
Deep dives
Working at One Password as a Rust Engineer
At One Password, Andrew Burkhardt, a senior Rust developer, works on the framework's team, focusing on the data layer, networking, and synchronization. One Password's uniqueness lies in its widespread presence across different platforms, like browser extensions, iOS apps, with a robust Rust core. Challenges like offline functionality and data sync are overcome by embedding the Rust core into various applications.
Data Flow within One Password
One Password's components include a cloud piece, a Rust core, and thin client apps like iOS or Android. The Rust core's compilation serves multiple apps efficiently, but challenges arise in cross-platform operations. Syncing data involves interactions between client devices and a server for conflict resolution, highlighting the server's data persistence role in orchestrating account modifications.
Challenges and Innovations in Syncing and Security
One Password faces continuous challenges in maintaining security and efficiency during syncing processes. The server's encrypted nature necessitates client-side conflict resolution due to the server's lack of access to decrypted data. Unique sync strategies ensure decentralized conflict resolution, maintaining data integrity. Security precautions extend to manual memory zeroization, enhancing data protection.
Exploring Wasm Integration and Rust Use Cases
One Password explores integrating Rust into WebAssembly (Wasm) for broader web app compatibility. Adapting the Rust core architecture for Wasm involves optimizing code size and aligning Rust's asynchronous runtime, like Tokyo, with Wasm's constraints. Transitioning to Wasm prompts reevaluation of core services, like handling invocations and reducing binary size to enhance performance and compatibility across diverse platforms.
Onboarding and Security Practices at One Password
One Password focuses on continuous training, relying on One Password University and internal tools like Clide to enforce security policies and device compliance. Educating employees on security protocols, alongside tools for secure key handling and prompt software updates, builds a security-centric culture. Balancing user accessibility with ironclad security measures, One Password emphasizes mechanical safeguards and stringent adherence to protocols for data protection.
Impact of WebAssembly and Tokyo Runtime on App Development
WebAssembly integration presents size and performance challenges for One Password, necessitating architecture modifications for optimized Wasm deployment. The Tokyo runtime's role in processing async requests enhances backend operations, facilitating real-time interactions. Leveraging Tokyo's ecosystem enhances Rust's runtime capabilities, especially for video application development, indicating the runtime's versatility in diverse application scenarios.
Working with Rust Functions and FFI
The podcast discusses the process of working with Rust functions and Foreign Function Interface (FFI). FFI is explained as calling Rust functions from other languages like Swift and defining call conventions for these interactions. The discussion delves into embedding Rust into other applications like iOS apps and the challenges faced in ensuring seamless communication between different programming languages.
Challenges and Nuances in Software Development
The episode highlights the complexities and nuances of software development, particularly focusing on web development challenges. The conversation touches on the intricacies of managing color selection in house painting projects, dealing with design discrepancies, and the varied challenges faced by front-end developers in handling web applications. It also underscores the dynamic nature of the web environment and the continuous need for adaptation and problem-solving in software development.
Today we’re serving up an episode on 1Password with Senior Rust Developer Andrew Burkhart, delving into how 1Password works, tackling conflict resolution and security challenges, and exploring the benefits of using Rust.
