Windows 11 is recreating the source code of the Windows kernel in Rust. The reason for this is said to be the higher memory security of the programming language compared to the C languages, protection against buffer overflows, and easier access in memory management. Developers who participate in Microsoft’s Windows Insider program can now get a first taste of Rust.
The team is in the process of converting internal C++ data types to their Rust equivalents. Renovations have been underway since 2020, when Microsoft began implementing the Windows App SDK with DWrite Core. In addition to security considerations, the faster performance is also a strong argument for switching to Rust.
In his presentation, Microsoft’s open source manager David Weston explained that there is already a system call (SysCall) in the Windows kernel that is implemented in Rust. However, there seem to be clear limits to Rust love on the Microsoft side. The final switch from Windows to Rust is not to be expected in the near future.
Rust is considered to be easier to maintain and debug than C and C++, which is why the ongoing projects from Linux and Microsoft have received strong approval from developers. However, it could still be months before Windows is completely redesigned in Rust. This is not about cosmetics, the kernel is the essential core component of an operating system.
Apparently, Microsoft is planning to fundamentally increase the security of the operating system with the change from Windows 10 to 11. Or, in Weston’s words, setting up “Default Security” – prospectively by switching from C++ to Rust.
The two Rust experts Rainer Stropek and Stefan Baumgartner would like to take turns reporting regularly on innovations and background information in the Rust area. From now on, they will write the Ferris Talks monthly and alternately. The two columnists are committed Rustaceans and organize the Rust Meetup Linz. They can be experienced as speakers and workshop trainers at Heise’s Rust Conference 2021.
In conclusion, Rust is one of the rare changes that will have a lasting, long-term and, in our opinion, positive effect on the software development industry. The column aims to give newcomers a deeper insight into how Rust works and help teams already using Rust stay up to date. The column title refers to Ferris, the crab-shaped unofficial mascot of the Rust community.
