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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Linus Torvalds: Speaks on the Rust vs C Linux Divide (www.youtube.com)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Linus Torvalds Speaks on the the divide between Rust and C Linux developers an the future Linux. Will things like fragmentation among the open source community hurt the Linux Kernel? We'll listen to the Creator of Linux.

For the full key note, checkout: Keynote: Linus Torvalds in Conversation with Dirk Hohndel

The Register's summary: Torvalds weighs in on 'nasty' Rust vs C for Linux debate

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[–] [email protected] 19 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Zig is "c", but modern and safe.

Zig is safer than C, but not on a level that is comparable to Rust, so it lacks its biggest selling point. Unfortunately just being a more modern language is not enough to sell it.

So imagine if trying to fit in a C-like cousin failed

C++ was not added to Linux because Linus Torvalds thought it was an horrible language, not because it was not possible to integrate in the kernel.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

Zig has other selling points, that are arguably more suitable for system programming. Rust's obsession with safety (which is still not absolute even in rust) is not the only thing to consider.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 months ago (1 children)

It is absolue in safe Rust, aka 99% of Rust code.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago (2 children)

UB is only one class of error though. I get nervous when people talk about re-writing battle hardened code which has been used - and reviewed by the community - for decades because there are going to be many subtleties and edge cases which are not immediately apparent for any developer attempting a re-implementation.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 months ago

Like sudo that has had zero days lurking for 10 years?

I'm not advocating for reimplementing stuff for no good reason though.

[–] [email protected] -4 points 2 months ago

You mean old code that has bugs that are no just being discovered. Battle hardened code and many eyeballs means nothing.