While Linux 7.0 is the next kernel version solely over Linus Torvalds’ numbering preference, there is a notable symbolic change that was sent in overnight for this new kernel merge window: formally concluding the “Rust experiment” with upstream kernel developers now in acceptance that Rust for the Linux kernel is here to stay.
The patch was talked about back in December that the Rust experiment is over and it’s here to stay. There are already uses for Rust in production environments, some Linux distributions shipping with Rust kernel code, and millions of Android devices also using it.
Can someone explain to me why Rust has been so controversial for the GNU/Linux kernel? One thing that I personally don’t like is that the equivalent Rust-made (equivalent) GNU tools are licensed under MIT (or Apache? - something permissive like that) instead of GPL. If they were under GPL, I’d be more than happy. But since the kernel is under GPL regardless of C or Rust, what is the reason for the backlash? Sounds like a very promising language indeed.
The entire controversy is that its different.
What’s the advantage of GPL? As far as I’m aware MIT and Apache are both FOSS. But I’m new to this and still learning.
I don’t know what the big deal about Rust is. It seems like a cool language to me…
GPL enforces that all derivatives are FOSS and GPL as well. With permissive licenses, like MIT and Apache, a company is free to take the code, change/develop it further (or leave it as is) and make it closed-sourced without sharing anything with anyone. Regarding Rust, I am with you. Hence my question.
I see. That makes sense.
So if the kernel were written in a language licensed under GPL, for instance, Ubuntu would either have to ditch their proprietary blobs or make their own kernel?
If I had to guess, the only reason Rust might be controversial to some people is probably because they’re used to C and likely set in their ways. Someone who’s been programming since the 80s and doesn’t want to learn a new language cause maybe they’ll feel like a newbie again and can’t be smug about knowing every possible command in C anymore. Just a guess…
I’m pretty sure that code written in any language can be licensed under the GPL. That’s why I cannot understand the backlash against Rush for the Kernel.
🦀🦀🦀🦞🦀🦀🦀
Okay fine, guess I really do need to learn (the rest of) Rust now.
Well, recalling from my experience with a lot of software products, they all tend to rust by around or shortly before version 7, so…
Well, it is time to investigate Hurd more closely, I suppose.
Why?
I don’t see any future for Rust and forcing such ugly language in the kernel might lead to problems.
Linus is to blame here more than Rust. C++ would be much more straightforward and welcomed by the kernel community update from C. And Linus is afraid of C++.
Rust will kill Linux if it persists there long enough .
I don’t see any future for C++ and forcing such ugly language in the kernel might lead to problems.
Lembot_0006 is to blame here more than C++. Zig/D/Hare/whatever would be much more straightforward and welcomed by the kernel community update from C. And Lembot_0006 is afraid of Rust.
C++ will kill Linux if it persists there long enough .
I don’t see any future for Zig/D/Hare and forcing such ugly language in the kernel might lead to problems.
Arcterus is to blame here more than Zig/D/Hare. Fennel would be much more straightforward and welcomed by the kernel community update from C. And Arcterus is afraid of Fennel.
Zig/D/Hare will kill Linux if it persists there long enough .
I don’t see any future for seatbelts, and forcing such an ugly implement in cars might lead to problems.
Seatbelts will kill cars if it persists there long enough.
The upper middle class family of a childhood friend refused to wear seatbelts (1980s) because mom was injured by her seatbelt in an accident. I remember being surprised at their approach to risk reduction.
It’s anti vacc all over again!
I don’t see any future for halos in F1 cars, and forcing such an ugly implement in cars might lead to problems.
Halos will kill F1 if they persist there long enough.
This but unironically
Haha I was fully expecting this comment when I wrote it. Hi fellow c/fuckcars lurker 👋🏽
This has to be one of the most brain dead comments I’ve read about Linux…. ever.
I think you mean: it is one of the most brain dead comments you have ever hurd about Linux.
I guess you’re regularly committing to the kernel then?
Not one line, I tell you. Not a single one.
lmao
