Linus Torvalds Eyes Rust: A Bold New Chapter for the Linux Kernel

A lively debate is stirring up excitement within the Linux kernel community.

Christoph Hellwig, a prominent kernel maintainer, recently revealed that Linus Torvalds has privately signaled his readiness to integrate Rust code into the Linux kernel — even if it means clashing with some long-standing opinions.

A Visionary Shift: Embracing Rust in the Kernel

Behind the scenes, Linus Torvalds is weighing a game-changing move. Rather than overhauling the entire kernel, the plan is to gradually weave Rust into the system — starting with new device drivers.

This step-by-step approach is designed to harness Rust’s modern safety features while keeping disruptions to a minimum. In Linus’s eyes, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks of a few bumps along the road.

The latest on Hellwig’s perspective of Rust code within the Linux kernel is below. Some interesting insight from a dissenting view. The thread in full can be found on the Rust for Linux mailing list.

“I don’t think having a web page in any form is useful. If you want it to be valid it has to be in the kernel tree and widely agreed on.

It also states factually incorrect information. E.g.