Compose Systems Software for Linux with Rust – Interview with Zeeshan Ali Khan
Aug 14, 2024
Zeeshan Ali Khan, maintainer of the zbus crate and a seasoned Linux expert, takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the evolution of Linux and Rust. He discusses the creation and advantages of the zbus library, emphasizing its role in enhancing inter-process communication. Zeeshan shares insights into navigating Rust for systems programming and the challenges of memory safety. He also reflects on his fascinating career, including his time at Nokia and the transition from mobile to desktop development, painting a vivid picture of Linux's ongoing evolution.
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Z-Bus origin story
- Zeeshan, needing a D-Bus library for a Rust rewrite of GeoClue, found the existing D-Bus-RS crate cumbersome.
- This prompted him to start Z-Bus at a hackfest, initially focusing on Z-variant, the encoding part.
Perceived Simplicity vs. Reality
- Many projects are started because their initial perceived simplicity is later revealed to be more complex.
- The initial perceived difficulty prevents people from starting potentially manageable projects.
Don't Overestimate Difficulty
- Start projects even if they seem complex, as they might be easier than anticipated.
- Avoid prolonged procrastination due to perceived difficulty; starting often reveals true complexity.