December 18, 2025
Rust wins, comments combust
The state of the kernel Rust experiment
Linux blesses Rust, Android ships it, and the comments go feral
TLDR: Kernel leaders say Rust in Linux worked, with Android already shipping Rust code and Debian enabling builds. Commenters split between making Rust mandatory for core parts and all new code versus not forcing C developers and avoiding enterprise lock-in—sparking jokes, plugs, and a mini flamewar.
The Linux maintainers just declared the Rust-in-the-kernel experiment a success, with real-world proof: Android 16 is shipping Rust code in its phones, Debian flipped the switch to build kernels with Rust, and a shiny new NVIDIA GPU driver is rolling in. Translation: Rust isn’t just a quirky side quest anymore—it’s in millions of devices, and the “experimental” label is wobbling. There’s even a plan to keep the kernel tracking modern Rust versions, tied to Debian releases, which had folks cheering and side-eyeing in equal measure.
Then the comments lit up like a toaster on turbo. One camp asked the spicy question: when does Rust become mandatory—for core kernel parts and for all new code—putting old-school C developers on notice? Another camp pushed back, warning about enterprise Linux locking in ancient toolchains and grumbling that “no, we said we wouldn’t force everyone to learn Rust.” Meanwhile, the graphics crowd flexed as early adopters, and supporters shouted “Congrats to the R4L team!” while jgarzik casually dropped his Rust kernel link like it’s hot. Meta-jokers dreamed up an alternate universe of clickbait headlines—“The Absolute State!”—and one commenter even questioned the author’s credibility with a YouTube drive-by. It’s progress with a side of popcorn: security wins, version drama, and memes about “learn Rust or rust.”
Key Points
- •The Linux kernel’s Rust experiment was deemed a success at the 2025 Maintainers Summit.
- •Android 16 devices running Linux 6.12 ship the Rust-written ashmem module; the Android binder driver was merged for 6.18.
- •Debian enabled Rust in kernel builds for the upcoming “forky” release; Rust code in the kernel grew fivefold in a year.
- •Toolchain projects progressed: rust_codegen_gcc and gccrs can compile kernel Rust code, with runnable correctness still in progress.
- •Kernel Rust version policy will align with Debian stable, with a proposed minimum bump to Rust 1.85 to remove workarounds.