3 ms·

So, when Rust is actually in the kernel would it be possible for some C based routines to call them? Like the article seems to mention things I've seen as "help

So, when Rust is actually in the kernel would it be possible for some C based routines to call them? Like the article seems to mention things I've seen as "helper" functions, so a mostly C module can get some memory safe benefits? Or do whole components need to be rewritten?

borodi 4y ago
Theoretically yes, rust binaries can have C-apis and other code can call them just fine.
- kibwen 4y ago
  With the caveat that, naturally, these APIs can only expose concepts that C can understand, so you're a bit limited. No generics, for example.
  - hedora 4y ago
    Also, no memory safety...
    - 3a2d29 4y ago
      Well its the C coding calling the Rust that has no memory safety, the rust code exposed as the C binary will (assuming no unsafe block) be memory safe, despite appearing to C like other C code.
maximilianburke 4y ago
Yep! At our company, for example, we have built a plugin for PAM in Rust which exposes all the necessary functions with a C interface.
- hpb42 4y ago
  This sounds really interesting! Is the source available somewhere?
spullara 4y ago
The RUST FFI is just the C function interface. You can completely fool the C code that you are also C code.
steveklabnik 4y ago
Not only is it possible, being able to do so well is a design constraint on the language.