| # 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 |