Foreword

The Rust programming language has come a long way in a few short years, from its creation and incubation by a small and nascent community of enthusiasts, to becoming one of the most loved and in-demand programming languages in the world. Looking back, it was inevitable that the power and promise of Rust would turn heads and gain a foothold in systems programming. What was not inevitable was the global growth in interest and innovation that permeated through open source communities and catalyzed wide-scale adoption across industries.

At this point in time, it is easy to point to the wonderful features that Rust has to offer to explain this explosion in interest and adoption. Who doesn’t want memory safety, and fast performance, and a friendly compiler, and great tooling, among a host of other wonderful features? The Rust language you see today combines years of research in systems programming with the practical wisdom of a vibrant and passionate community. This language was designed with purpose and crafted with care, offering developers a tool that makes it easier to write safe, fast, and reliable code.

But what makes Rust truly special is its roots in empowering you, the user, to achieve your goals. This is a language that wants you to succeed, and the principle of empowerment runs through the core of the community that builds, maintains, and advocates for this language. Since the previous edition of this definitive text, Rust has further developed into a truly global and trusted language. The Rust Project is now robustly supported by the Rust Foundation, which also invests in key initiatives to ensure that Rust is secure, stable, and sustainable.

This edition of The Rust Programming Language is a comprehensive update, reflecting the language’s evolution over the years and providing valuable new information. But it is not just a guide to syntax and libraries—it’s an invitation to join a community that values quality, performance, and thoughtful design. Whether you’re a seasoned developer looking to explore Rust for the first time or an experienced Rustacean looking to refine your skills, this edition offers something for everyone.

The Rust journey has been one of collaboration, learning, and iteration. The growth of the language and its ecosystem is a direct reflection of the vibrant, diverse community behind it. The contributions of thousands of developers, from core language designers to casual contributors, are what make Rust such a unique and powerful tool. By picking up this book, you’re not just learning a new programming language—you’re joining a movement to make software better, safer, and more enjoyable to work with.

Welcome to the Rust community!

• Bec Rumbul, Executive Director of the Rust Foundation