Meta Tech Podcast
63: The key to a happy Rust/C++ relationship
May 30, 2024
Aida, a trailblazer on one of Meta's first Rust teams, discusses the challenges of integrating Rust with existing C++ systems. She shares insights into the cxx library, which simplifies safe interop and async programming between the two languages. Aida explores her journey transitioning from C++ to Rust, tackling memory management and thread safety issues along the way. The conversation highlights the benefits of Rust, such as performance enhancements, while addressing real-world complexities developers face.
45:00
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Quick takeaways
- The transition from C++ to Rust at Meta has greatly improved codebase efficiency, highlighting Rust's performance and safety benefits.
- Interfacing Rust with C++ poses challenges in memory management and async programming, necessitating tools like CXX for smoother interoperability.
Deep dives
Introduction to Rust at Meta
Rust has become a preferred programming language for new projects at Meta, shifting from traditional languages such as C++. This transition is particularly evident in projects like the social control server, which aimed to enhance the efficiency of Meta's codebase. Aida, who joined Meta in 2018 as a C++ engineer, played a crucial role in this shift by being one of the first to work on Rust-driven initiatives. The adoption of Rust is seen as a strategic decision that has since proved beneficial due to its performance and safety features.
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