Rust for Linux Maintainer Resigns Amid ‘Nontechnical Nonsense’
The Rust for Linux project has just lost one of its key contributors. Wedson Almeida Filho, a Microsoft engineer and prolific developer in the Rust for Linux initiative, has announced his resignation. Filho’s decision comes after nearly four years of dedicated work, during which he played a crucial role in integrating Rust into the Linux kernel. However, his departure is driven by frustration with the “nontechnical nonsense” surrounding the project’s progress.
Background on Filho’s Contributions #
Wedson Almeida Filho has been instrumental in advancing Rust’s presence within the Linux kernel. His contributions include various Rust kernel features and even an experimental EXT2 file system driver ported to Rust. Despite his significant impact, Filho has decided to step away from the project, citing a lack of energy to continue dealing with the nontechnical challenges that have surfaced.
The Announcement #
In a recent message on the Linux kernel mailing list, Filho expressed his reasons for leaving. He wrote, “After almost 4 years, I find myself lacking the energy and enthusiasm I once had to respond to some of the nontechnical nonsense, so it’s best to leave it up to those who still have it in them.” His message also included a heartfelt thanks to the Rust for Linux team, highlighting the positive experiences he had while working on technical issues and finding solutions to challenges.
The Underlying Issues #
Filho’s resignation sheds light on a broader issue within the Linux community: resistance to change. The integration of Rust, a memory-safe language, into the Linux kernel has sparked debates and, in some cases, hostility from certain developers. Filho’s departure underscores the challenges that come with trying to modernize a project as complex and longstanding as the Linux kernel.
Looking Ahead #
Despite Filho’s resignation, the Rust for Linux project will continue under the guidance of other maintainers. However, his departure raises concerns about the future of Rust in the Linux kernel. In his farewell message, Filho expressed his belief that memory-safe languages like Rust are essential for the future of kernel development. He warned that if Linux doesn’t embrace these languages, it risks being overshadowed by other kernels that do.
Filho’s resignation is a significant loss for the Rust for Linux project, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of adapting to new technologies. As the Linux community moves forward, the hope is that the project will continue to evolve, despite the challenges it faces.
Here’s the actual mail from Wedson:
Hey folks, This is as short a series as one can be: just removing myself as maintainer of the Rust for Linux project. I am retiring from the project. After almost 4 years, I find myself lacking the energy and enthusiasm I once had to respond to some of the nontechnical nonsense, so it's best to leave it up to those who still have it in them. To the Rust for Linux team: thank you, you are great. It was a pleasure working with you all; the times we spent discussing technical issues, finding ways to address soundness holes, etc. were something I always enjoyed and looked forward to. I count myself lucky to have collaborated with such a talended and friendly group. I wish all the success to the project. I truly believe the future of kernels is with memory-safe languages. I am no visionary but if Linux doesn't internalize this, I'm afraid some other kernel will do to it what it did to Unix. Lastly, I'll leave a small, 3min 30s, sample for context here: https://youtu.be/WiPp9YEBV0Q?t=1529 -- and to reiterate, no one is trying force anyone else to learn Rust nor prevent refactorings of C code. Thanks, -Wedson
