Even if programming and coding is far out of your domain, you may have some idea on the coding languages like C, C++, Python, Java etc. One such programming language that is gaining a lot of popularity in recent times is Rust. It is a modern computer programming language (contrary to its name) launched in 2010 by Mozila. Rust is all the rage right now. But what’s the hype all about?
Rust programming language solves a lot of problems that developers face when compared to other programming languages. Rust is built to make the most high performing applications. The main purpose it serves is enhanced safety, speed and the ability to run multiple computations parallelly. As one of the hottest trends in the programming languages right now, it is used by nearly 2.8 million people across the world.
Companies like discord have used Rust to speed up its processes. While on the other hand Microsoft, Amazon and Dropbox think that Rust will play a major role in their future.
Trivia about Rust’s Origin
Rust was developed by Graydon Hoare in 2006. He worked as a programmer in Mozilla, the browser company. One day when Hoare was returning home from his office, the elevator in his apartment building crashed and he lived on the 21st floor. Having to climb 21 floors, he was pissed. Normally code in elevators and such complex codes are written using languages like C, C++. But, C, C++ languages allow coders to write a code that runs pretty quickly and is compact.
The main problem with these languages is that it introduces memory bugs which is what causes all such crashes. Hoare knew the reason behind these crashes and he started designing his own programming language which allows coders to write small code which runs fast without memory bugs.
So the question is: Why should you learn Rust?
It is safe and doesn’t have a garbage collector, which also makes it fast.
It uses a logical and functional syntax that allows developers to do minimal and low-level programming especially for Internet of Things (IOT).
The old codes in Rust are also compatible with the newer versions.
Now let's look into some of its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Rust
Eases the Terrors of Memory Bugs: Rust has no garbage collector and the language is based on ownership and borrowing. Since it doesn't need a garbage collector to run in the background, it has full access to the hardware and storage. You also have complete freedom to update code, without jeopardizing memory safety.
High-performing Material: Rust’s rapid speed comes from the lack of a garbage collector in its system. Rust does not have runtime checking and the compiler catches the error in the code right away which stops the erroneous code from spreading and creating havoc.
Sustainable Language: The lack of garbage collector and its ability to allow users to compile multiple codes at the same time, saves a lot of time, power and results in better resource management.
Disadvantages of Rust
Not Fully Developed: Rust as a language is still relatively new and is in its adolescence age. Some of its features are not fully developed yet. Though the rust community is very active and is constantly working on it, it will take some time to meet programmers’ expectations.
Data Structure: It does not support data structures like vectors and lists and is not object oriented.
Risk of memory leaks: Due to manual memory management features in Rust, there is a risk of memory leaks.
Owing to some very obvious benefits of using rust as a programming language, the demand for talent-efficient Rust language has increased. Given that Rust is a high-level programming language, it needs an in-depth knowledge on programming to have a grasp on it.
So, one of the best ways you can learn this language is by reading books. “The Rust programming language” is a good book to start with. You can also try referring to and researching on the material available on Rust programming language on the Web.
(Author: Karishma Chandnani is a Content Writer at TechDoQuest. She offers refreshing & youthful perspective to the topics she writes about)