The programming language Rust has experienced a split with the creation of a fork named CrabLang. The fork was reportedly created due to a trademark dispute in April, where the Rust Foundation announced new rules for using the Rust wordmark and logo. The community behind CrabLang felt that these rules were too restrictive and decided to create a fork as a means of offering an alternative without having to worry about trademark problems.
The Krabbenfork collective emphasizes that CrabLang is not created to replace Rust or split the community, but rather an alternative for those who feel constrained by increasing corporate interests with the foundation’s direction of Rust development. While some Rust developers consider the fork to be a mistake, the CrabLang team confirms that the draft policy led to the fork, but that it is an overdue fix to an existing problem that has given many community members stomachaches.
Ultimately, every fork weakens the forces of the community, and it is unclear whether CrabLang will represent a permanent alternative to Rust. The crab collective’s statement concludes with an invitation: “Come in! The water is warm!”
