Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/09/06/google_rust_c_code_language/
Source: The Register
Title: Google says replacing C/C++ in firmware with Rust is easy
Feedly Summary: Not so much when trying to convert coding veterans
Google recently rewrote the firmware for protected virtual machines in its Android Virtualization Framework using the Rust programming language and wants you to do the same, assuming you deal with firmware.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Google is advocating the replacement of legacy C and C++ firmware with Rust in the Android Virtualization Framework, highlighting Rust’s capability to enhance security via memory safety. This initiative is part of a broader push among tech firms and governmental bodies to address vulnerabilities in software written in unsafe languages.
Detailed Description: Google’s recent efforts to rewrite firmware for protected virtual machines using the Rust programming language signify an important shift towards enhancing security through modern programming practices. The technical write-up by engineers Ivan Lozano and Dominik Maier details this initiative, emphasizing the promise of Rust in addressing prevalent vulnerabilities.
– **Security Focus**: The transition to Rust is driven by the need to eliminate memory safety vulnerabilities that frequently plague C and C++ code.
– **Memory Safety**: Rust is noted for its features that prevent common bugs (like buffer overflows and use-after-free) that are prevalent in legacy languages, which can lead to critical security breaches.
– **Developer Productivity**: Google claims that its Rust developers exhibit double the productivity compared to those coding in C++, suggesting a potentially more efficient development cycle.
– **Government and Industry Support**: There is growing pressure from the US government, including recommendations from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to prioritize the reduction of memory safety vulnerabilities. This backing is bolstered by collaboration among tech firms and nonprofit initiatives advocating for Rust adoption.
– **Interoperability**: Rust’s design allows seamless interaction with C codebases, promoting smoother transitions for existing projects.
– **Community Resistance**: Despite the advantages, there remains resistance from sections of the developer community, particularly with traditional Linux kernel developers expressing reluctance to adopt Rust.
As the conversation around secure coding practices evolves, the shift towards Rust could influence the broader landscape of software development, especially in environments where security is paramount, such as in infrastructures involving AI and cloud computing. Google’s commitment to increasing Rust’s use across multiple platforms signifies strategic foresight in tackling burgeoning security challenges in modern software development.