Rustacean Station Rust in Google with Lars Bergstrom
Dec 27, 2024
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.
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Starting Small with Rust
- Google and Mozilla started Rust adoption with small, less critical projects like an MP3 parser.
- This approach allowed them to test integration and ecosystem maturity without high risks.
Gaining Support for Rust
- Prove Rust's viability with small wins before seeking larger buy-in.
- Find an executive sponsor who can champion Rust adoption within the company.
Rust Surpasses C++ in New Android Code
- In 2023, Android released more new native code in Rust than C++ for the first time.
- This milestone highlights Rust's growing importance for security in Android development.
