Lars Bergstrom, Director of Engineering at Google, shares invaluable insights about Rust's integration into Android, impacting over 3 billion devices. He delves into the challenges of using Rust for memory safety and security within a fragmented ecosystem. The conversation highlights performance-critical applications, the debate between LLVM and GCC compilers, and the necessity of source code access for software security. As corporate adoption of Rust grows, Lars emphasizes the importance of strong open-source relationships to enhance support for this innovative language.
Rust is being integrated into Android to enhance security by replacing legacy C++ components and mitigating memory safety vulnerabilities.
The fragmentation in the Android ecosystem poses challenges for device updates, despite industry efforts to extend support and reduce e-waste.
Deep dives
The Role of Rust in Android's Security Improvements
Rust is increasingly adopted within Android for improving security, particularly due to its potential to eliminate memory safety vulnerabilities. The Android security team recognized that most security defects occur in new code, prompting the initiative to replace some legacy C++ components with Rust. This strategic shift not only enhances the security posture by mitigating common vulnerabilities but also aims to remove the overhead caused by isolating untrusted libraries in separate processes. By integrating Rust, Android seeks to maintain performance while ensuring that new code is more resilient against attacks.
Challenges with Android Device Updates
Fragmentation in the Android ecosystem complicates device updates, as manufacturers and carriers exert significant control over the update process. Devices that rely on older Linux kernels can quickly become outdated, limiting their ability to receive new Android versions, which frustrates users. The industry trend towards longer support, with companies like Samsung and Google committing to seven years of updates, aims to reduce e-waste and enhance user satisfaction. However, the technical challenges of ensuring compatibility across thousands of device variations continue to be a significant hurdle.
Adopting Rust: Starting Small and Building Confidence
Successful Rust integration begins with small, manageable projects to mitigate risks associated with new technology adoption. Teams are encouraged to prove the viability of Rust by starting with less critical components, allowing for experimentation without jeopardizing major launches. Collaborating with teams during their initial transition to Rust ensures that potential pitfalls are addressed effectively. By nurturing successful small projects, companies can gradually build a culture of Rust adoption while minimizing the potential for negative experiences that could hinder future initiatives.
The Ecosystem and Future of Rust in Android
The growth of Rust within the Android ecosystem is evident, with millions of lines of Rust code now part of the codebase as Android prioritizes security and performance. While Rust is not intended to replace higher-level languages like Kotlin, it is increasingly utilized for performance-critical components that require direct hardware interaction. Ongoing efforts focus on improving interoperability and easing the integration of Rust in Android apps, which has become a trend among developers looking to replace legacy C libraries. The future of Rust in Android appears promising, with a supportive environment aiming to utilize Rust where it makes the most sense for security and efficiency.
Allen Wyma talks with Lars Bergstrom, Director of Engineering at Google, about Google’s use of Rust within Android. Android is Google’s main mobile operating system deployed to over 3 billion devices around the world.
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