Jiaxun Yang recently posted patches to the Linux kernel mailing list, aiming to extend Rust support to this hardware. He tested the new Rust code on various MIPS platforms, including the R4000(el), mips32, mips64, and mips64r6el. Confident in Rust’s progress, Yang expressed hope that MIPS isn’t “too late to the party.”

Integrating Rust with new CPU architectures in the Linux kernel presents challenges. It requires the LLVM-based Rust compiler to support the architecture. After that, Linux kernel code changes must follow to validate and enable these new CPU ports. The MIPS support patches signify a big step forward. However, developers may still need some upstream Rust changes to accommodate new target triples before full integration.

Rust’s expanding reach within the Linux kernel shows its growing versatility in low-level systems programming. This progress benefits older platforms and niche architectures that rely on Linux for various applications.

Rust’s Expanding Influence in the Linux Kernel

• New Architecture Added:

  Jiaxun Yang’s patches extend Rust kernel support to MIPS, with successful tests on several platforms.

• Active Integration Process:

  Integrating Rust involves LLVM compiler support and necessary kernel code changes.

• Ongoing Development:

  Developers may need further upstream Rust changes for full MIPS support in the Linux kernel.

Stay tuned for updates as the Rust for Linux initiative continues to evolve and expand its support for more CPU architectures.