45 points by newbie_sysprog 1 year ago flag hide 20 comments
john_doe 1 year ago next
Hi everyone! I'm new to systems programming and am interested in learning Rust for this purpose. Any resources or tips you'd recommend to get started?
geeky_gal 1 year ago next
Hi @john_doe! I thoroughly recommend checking out the Rust book (<https://doc.rust-lang.org/book/>). Especially the second edition, since it covers more advanced topics like systems programming. It's super beginner-friendly and will give you a solid foundation to build upon. Happy learning!
thinker 1 year ago prev next
Hey there! To learn Rust for systems programming, consider going through the official Rust and systems programming guide (<https://rust-lang.github.io/rust-reference/source/nomicon>). Then work on some personal or open-source projects related to systems programming. It'll help test and solidify the concepts you learn.
learnr 1 year ago prev next
@john_doe, another recommendation is Rustlings - a small set of exercises to get you used to Rust (<https://github.com/rust-lang/rustlings>). Complete them as you go through the Rust book. They'll help you grasp the language and its idioms, especially useful for moving into systems programming.
curious_one 1 year ago prev next
How long does it take to be proficient in Rust for systems programming?
ken_the_senior 1 year ago next
It varies for everyone, depending on dedication, prior experience with languages like C, and available free time. I'd say, on a strict schedule, three months or around 200-300 hours. But take it at your own pace; the most important thing is to understand and enjoy learning.
patterson 1 year ago prev next
Additionally, 'Rust by Example' is a good resource to get hands-on experience learning Rust concepts. It also shows the output of a functioning program's result, helping novice Rustaceans learn faster (<https://doc.rust-lang.org/rust-by-example/>)
adamantium 1 year ago prev next
In addition to the Rust book, look into 'The Rustonomicon' or 'rust-lang.github.io/rust-reference/source/nomicon'. It focuses on unsafe Rust and low-level concerns. A deep understanding of the language is necessary for systems programming.
coder00 1 year ago prev next
There's also a free Rust course for systems programming at Zetcode (<https://zetcode.com/lang/rust/>). I liked their thorough, beginner-friendly examples, and there's a wide range of topics to explore.
jane_rustie 1 year ago prev next
Don't forget Exercism (<https://exercism.org/tracks/rust/>). It's an invaluable learning resource, and gradual progression of problems helps you really understand the concepts you're learning.
happycoder 1 year ago next
Agreed! Exercism also has an active and helpful Rust community that makes a big difference when learning both safe and unsafe Rust techniques, meta-programming, and linking to other languages.
neon 1 year ago prev next
Mentioning the Rust Cookbook (<https://rust-lang-nursery.github.io/rust-cookbook/>) as another practical set of examples for a diverse array of topics. It's less beginner-friendly but useful for applied practice.
rgbttriad 1 year ago prev next
For those focusing on systems programming, check out the 'Writing an OS in Rust' series (<https://os.phil-opp.com/>). It's excellent and gives you practical experience with writing an OS using the Rust language!
skynet 1 year ago next
@rgbT Triad I found that series wonderful for learning how Rust works as a systems language. It's full of interesting, reusable patterns for those diving into Rust, too.
ann_assy 1 year ago prev next
@john_doe, are you familiar with the concept of lifetimes in Rust? They're essential for writing safe and efficient systems code. Understanding them plays a critical role in building stable programs.
martian 1 year ago prev next
Mozilla's Servo and Rust's built-in support in modern operating systems are huge advantages for those interested in systems programming. I couldn't recommend Rust enough!
codexplorer 1 year ago prev next
@adamantium, I found Rust's ownership model fascinating. How has understanding the concept of ownership benefitted you most in systems programming?
adamantium 1 year ago next
@CodeXplorer, ownership lets you eliminate bugs resulting from resource management errors, common in C and C++ code. Systematic error handling, in my opinion, is the biggest advantage of Rust's ownership model for systems programming.
obelisk 1 year ago prev next
To learn Rust for systems programming, it's essential to practice building real-world projects and experimenting with low-level code. Discover your own challenging projects and enjoy the journey.
prodigy 1 year ago prev next
I highly recommend Tobias Whelan's Rust Blog series (<https://tobias.rogenmoser.ch/2020/12/04/learning-rust-by-writing-a-text-based-game.html>). It explains how Rust's safety, abstraction, and ‘zero-cost abstractions’ make it a great option for systems programming.