So, I've recently tried to figure out what rust it's been getting lots of attention in HN.
So, it allows you to have safety and control.
I thought that is very neat.
I've got three questions for experts.
One, what type of applications is Rust intended for?
Two, I like JS because I can code in the client, and server in one language. Will there ever be a web server framework for rust and an api that allows me to modify the dom?
Three, what are your predictions for the future of rust?
1. Rust was designed for low-level systems programming, and in particular the multi-threaded kind, where performance and memory control are important. So things like web browsers (it's been developed alongside development of the Servo web browser), games, operating systems, embedded systems etc. It's basically a better C++.
2. There are already several web frameworks, in various stages of earliness. See [1]. I don't think it will ever be a good idea to write Rust client-side though (even though I believe there is an emscripten backend for it, so it's possible).
3. I see a very bright future for Rust. It could use some ergonomic improvements (but it's miles ahead of C++ even now, mind you), but is otherwise a very well designed language that fits very snuggly in its niche. And it has some very strong backing from Mozilla. I expect it will slowly take over large amounts of territory from C++ and possibly from C, as these developers start to realize the benefits of Rusts safety guarantees. It's also quite unique in that its safety entices many higher-level (python, ruby, C# etc.) developers into trying system programming, which could be really transformative to the system programming scene. For example, one thing that has already come out of this is the cargo package manager, which is similar to npm, bundler etc. but (before cargo) had yet to find its way down to the lowly systems programmers. Many (former?) C++ developers actually tout it as one of the major benefits of Rust.
With Web Assembly coming in the near future, Rust will actually be a very great choice. Right now they are targeting c/c++, but Rust of course will be a great alternative.
Do note that, for many things on the web, JavaScript is PLENTY fast. It's when you are doing crazy things like CAD in the browser, it'll be amazing.
So, it allows you to have safety and control. I thought that is very neat.
I've got three questions for experts. One, what type of applications is Rust intended for?
Two, I like JS because I can code in the client, and server in one language. Will there ever be a web server framework for rust and an api that allows me to modify the dom?
Three, what are your predictions for the future of rust?