Exploring New Frontiers: Klarian's Journey into Rust at Rust Nation UK
March was a whirlwind of innovation, learning, and networking as our software engineer, Bryony Edgell had the pleasure of attending Rust Nation UK, Europe's largest conference dedicated to the Rust programming language.
Held in the heart of London at The Brewery, this event brought together hundreds of Rust enthusiasts, developers, and thought leaders from around the globe.
Rust, known for its safety-first approach and modern features, is increasingly being adopted across various industries, including safety-critical sectors like automotive. The conference schedule was packed with insightful talks by key contributors to the Rust ecosystem, covering a wide range of topics from embedded systems to AI and web development. Read Bryony's breakdown and takeaways from the event:
A Deep Dive into Rust
The first day was an immersive experience in a Rust testing workshop, setting the tone for the practical and hands-on approach that Rust encourages. Over the following two days, the talks I attended explored the potential of Rust in changing how we approach software development. Notably, discussions on improving team and developer productivity highlighted Rust's impact beyond just code performance.
Klarian's Rust Exploration
At Klarian, our hardware team has recently started exploring using Rust for writing embedded code. While still in the early stages, our participation in Rust Nation UK has been invaluable. The conference provided a fantastic opportunity to network with professionals using Rust in diverse contexts.
The benefits of Rust in embedded systems are becoming more recognised, and it's exciting to see talks about its application in areas as critical as the automotive industry. Although Rust's use in hardware is not yet widespread, embracing it places Klarian at the forefront of innovation, potentially disrupting an industry known for its slow pace of change.
The Future is Rust
What stood out to me were the discussions on Rust's role in large enterprise systems. The evidence presented on how Rust can enhance development speed and execution efficiency in certain contexts was compelling. It's clear that Rust's trajectory is one of rapid growth and adoption.
The breadth of innovation within the Rust community is inspiring. From talks on embedded applications to its qualifications for safety-critical systems, Rust Nation UK showcased the language's versatility and robustness. As Klarian continues to explore Rust, we position ourselves among those leading the charge towards more efficient, safe, and innovative software solutions.
Looking Ahead
The insights gained from Rust Nation UK underscore the vibrant and welcoming nature of the Rust community. As we at Klarian move forward with our exploration of Rust, the knowledge and connections we've acquired at the conference will undoubtedly play a crucial role in our journey.
Rust represents more than just a programming language; it's a gateway to rethinking how we approach software development, emphasising safety, efficiency, and innovation. For Klarian, diving into Rust is not just about adopting a new technology—it's about shaping the future of our industry.
As we continue to explore and innovate, the possibilities are endless. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey!
By Bryony Edgell, Software Engineer