

David Sankel – Rust and C++ Interop
Aug 7, 2025
David Sankel, a Principal Scientist at Adobe and member of the C++ Standards Committee, dives into the fascinating world of Rust and C++ interoperability. He discusses how Rust can enhance memory safety in large enterprises and addresses the historical vulnerabilities of C++. The complexities of integrating both languages are explored, especially around memory management. David also shares personal insights on the unexpected realities of pursuing 'dream jobs' in tech, stressing the importance of effective management roles in driving success.
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Leading Adobe's Software Lab
- David Sankel runs Adobe Software Technology Lab to explore the next decade of software development.
- He stays hands-on in a small team while guiding long-term strategy for Adobe.
Memory Safety Tiger Team
- Adobe created a memory safety tiger team in 2024 to investigate legal and security risks.
- David Sankel says the team included security, developer experience, and legal representatives.
Memory Bugs Drive Most Exploits
- David Sankel cites industry and internal data showing about 70% of exploits stem from memory safety issues.
- That concentration of severe bugs drove executive-level attention at Adobe.