We can all agree that C and C++ programming languages are not going anywhere. They are here to stay regardless of the new programming languages that keep coming up. There is no programming language that will completely replace either C or C++. The only thing that can happen is we will get more improved versions of these two languages.
One of the programming languages that we can refer to as an improved version of C is Rust programming language. This is a new programming language that was launched by Mozilla in 2014. Rust has grown very fast and programmers are encouraged to learn it. In fact, Rust is the most loved programming language of this year according to StackOverflow Developer Survey.
Rust is a systems programming language that was designed to have optimum speeds, parallelism, and memory safety. These three are the main weaknesses of C and C++. Rust exists as an open-source programming language hence is maintained by a community of coders. Up to date, this language is sponsored by Mozilla.
To ensure that it emerges a better version of C and C++, Rust combines some key elements of the old programming languages and those of the modern languages. This combination results in a powerful and robust programming language that can be used for a wide range of applications. It also merges the syntax of high-level languages with the performance of low-level programming languages.
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Features of Rust Programming Language
Here are the main features of Rust programming language:
1. Resource Management
This is the most outstanding feature of Rust programming language. Instead of using the brute force algorithm like other new languages, Rust uses mutable borrowing algorithm. This algorithm ensures that the resources are managed through a special system known as Resource Acquisition Is Initialization. The language also uses stack allocation of values to manage its resources.
2. Zero Cost Abstractions
This feature means that Rust can track the memory usage at runtime. Unlike the C programming language, it does not use reference counting. The abstraction does not prioritize cost over the implementation.
3. Memory Safety
Rust is designed to promote memory safety. It only allows data values to be initialized following specific patterns. Otherwise, it does not allow null and dangling pointers in the safe code. The programming language has an extra library which inspects the pointer to determine whether it is null or not.
4. Pattern Matching
Rust uses this feature to inspect tokens so as to establish whether they form exact patterns or not. The tokens are basically a sequence of data.
5. Type Inference
Rust programming language is able to automatically detect the data type of an expression during the compile time. This feature improves the speed of Rust as a programming language.
Why Learn Rust Programming?
Is Rust programming language worth your time? The answer is definitely “Yes.” Here are some key reasons why you should learn Rust:
1. Guarantees memory safety
Rust is among a few programming languages that you can be sure about the safety of your memory. This feature prevents errors and security issues that can arise when trying to access the RAM. You won’t have to deal with NULL and dangling pointers.
2. Does not rely on garbage collection
While most programming languages depend on automatic garbage collection feature, Rust does not. Instead of garbage collection, RUST uses destructors.
3. Compatible with all the operating systems
You can use Rust on all the operating systems. Rust can be installed on Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems.
4. Easy to learn
If you have some knowledge on C or C++ migrating to Rust won’t be a problem. Given that Rust is an expression-based language, you can learn and use relevant expressions with ease.
Learning Rust programming language should not be an issue. This is because despite being new, the programming language has a big community of developers.
Application of Rust Programming Language
As a systems programming language, Rust is used to create a wide range of independent software applications from scratch. The language can be used to develop applications that are used in the gaming systems, simulation systems, components for browsers, file management systems and even operating systems.
Some of the popular brands that are using the Rust programming language include Mozilla, Braintree, Dropbox, and many others. More companies are expected to join this wave. The latest version of Mozilla Firefox, Firefox Quantum is powered by Rust programming language.
Conclusion
If you are a programmer, you should start gaining knowledge and skills in Rust programming language. It is less strenuous and you will spend less time developing complex applications.