Rust vs. C++ is one of the most interesting programming language debates. Both Rust and C++ are used in system-level development and have steep learning curves compared to other popular programming languages like PHP, Kotlin, or Java. Since both programming languages are used for similar tasks, comparing and contrasting them is critical for organizations interested in using them.
This post will explore Rust vs. C++. We will briefly describe each programming language before comparing and contrasting them to help your organization determine which language best suits its development needs.
What Is Rust?
Rust is a system-level programming language developed in 2010 by tech company Mozilla. Mozilla developed Rust specifically to address shortcomings it perceived in C++, mainly inefficiencies related to memory and concurrent programming. Syntactically, Rust is very similar to C++, but most developers say that Rust is more convenient and versatile.
Mozilla believes that Rust delivers higher performance and better safety levels than C++. The company used Rust to develop its popular Internet browser Firefox. Rust does not use garbage collection in memory management efforts, which makes it safer.
Since Rust provides detailed control capabilities such as manual memory management, it is considered a low-level programming language. In addition, the binary code produced by Rust is the smallest possible, and it compiles quickly with little overhead.
If you are interested in game development, Rust has a built in immediate mode GUI framework.
What Is C++?
C++ is an object-oriented programming language that was created by Bjarne Stroustrup in the mid-80s. C++ vastly improved the C programming language and was a revolutionary solution at its release. Like Rust, C++ is a powerful system programming tool. Most Microsoft operating systems, such as Windows 95, 98, and XP, were developed using C++.
C++’s fast performance, reusable code modules, and determined code structure have made it a popular choice in various development projects. In addition, since C++ is a multi-purpose compiled language, it can be used to build anything from operating systems to stunning 3D visuals and video games.
The efficiency and flexibility of C++ have made it one of the most popular programming languages for decades, especially in game development.
Comparing Rust and C++
Why is it important to compare Rust and C++? Since Rust uses a similar syntax and can be used for many of the same tasks as C++, it is important to compare these programming languages so developers can make the best choice for their projects. The main points of comparison we will be exploring include the following:
- Coding speed
- Code quality
- Performance
- Extensions
- Support and community
- Development costs
Coding Speed
Coding speed is a major consideration for mobile app and web developers. Rust can be written faster than C++ due largely to its elaborated semantics and system for preventing undesired behaviors. One of the significant issues with C++ is that avoiding undefined behaviors can be difficult. As a result, it can take longer to write C++ code.
However, while it might be quicker to write Rust than C++, this only applies to skilled developers. Both Rust and C++ are complex languages with a high learning curve. Beginners will find that the coding process for these programming languages is significantly longer than other popular options.
Code Quality
Rust has more vigorous code validation measures than C++. C++ lacks measures to prevent coding errors and spot code issues before compiling the entire program.
On the other hand, Rust offers developers far more attentive code quality measures and is effective at preventing data races. The most impressive of these measures is the Rust compiler, which ensures that the Rust code developers write adheres to the official style.
These measures can also help expedite the development process since more issues are caught in the early stages before the code is compiled. However, some developers complain that the Rust compiler can seem restrictive. Developers do have the ability to turn off the compiler, but if there are issues with their Rust code they will be responsible for spotting them.
The problem with poor code is that it can lead to memory leaks and other undefined behavior. If memory safety is an issue that is important to you, Rust is more memory-safe than C++. While both languages utilize smart pointers, C++, and most other system-level languages, does not offer automatic memory management in an effort to improve performance.
The compile time for both languages is similar, although C++ might have a slight advantage over Rust in this regard.
Performance
C++ can produce fast applications while spending less time on code compilation and execution than Rust. C++’s performance levels can be attributed to its vast standard codebase and smaller assembly code. In addition, C++ does not have automatic garbage collection tools, which leads to faster performance levels than Rust, but it can also contribute to more runtime errors.
Rust’s robust tools ensure that code flaws only lead to compilation errors and not runtime errors. However, too many runtime errors can lengthen the development time and increase costs. While C++ can outperform Rust, you need an experienced C++ developer to avoid costly runtime errors.
Extensions
Since C++ is the more mature programming language, it has more frameworks and libraries than Rust. On the other hand, compared to C++, Rust has a small standard codebase library and few options to extend its capabilities.
However, it is important to note that Rust is still evolving, and new tools and frameworks are being developed for the programming language to improve its extensibility.
Support and Community
Since C++ has been around since the 80s, it has a larger community of developers and support information than Rust. As a result, there is a wealth of information and support services for C++. On the other hand, Rust developers have less access to support resources and community discussion, which means these developers have to solve many of their own problems. As Rust matures, there will be a larger community and more support online, but for now, C++ has a significant support and community advantage over Rust.
Development Costs
It costs more to hire Rust developers than C++ developers because there are fewer of them in the job market. As a result, it is more expensive to develop a program using Rust. However, since Rust has more code quality protections in place, your team might spend less time correcting errors and thus reduce costs.
Additionally, unless you have an experienced C++ developer working for your organization, it is easy to create errors and spend more time fixing them.
It costs more to hire Rust developers on average, but the cost of experienced C++ developers might be just as much, if not more.
Will Rust Replace C++?
Predicting the future of technology is difficult, and while it may seem like Rust is an improvement to C++ in many ways, it would be foolish to write off C++ at this point. It is unlikely that Rust will completely replace C++ anytime soon.
C++ has a large support community and a lot of libraries and frameworks. Rust is easier to use and produces safer code on average. While Rust is still in its earliest phases and experimenting, C++ is well-established and widely used.
There may come a day when Rust eventually replaces C++, but it doesn’t seem like that day is near. In addition, both languages could be rendered obsolete by some new, yet to be released language or development technology.
If you’re wondering which language is better to learn, that answer depends on your goals. If you want to learn a highly-capable, complex language that can lead to job opportunities developing video games, computer vision, and Artificial Intelligence, choose C++.
On the other hand, if you are interested in learning a new, highly capable development language with a lot of upside, Rust is easy to learn and it produces secure code, so even if you are a beginner you can produce solid code.
Final Thoughts
Rust and C++ are both great programming languages, and while they are used for similar projects, one might be better suited for your organization than the other. While C++ has a larger community and more extensions, it is clear that Rust is here to stay.
Will Rust ever replace C++ completely? That seems unlikely, but Rust is getting more popular every year. If you need more help comparing Rust vs. C++, reach out to an experienced development partner for more information.
