Trying to read more theory
I love technology, FOSS, learning languages, history, and philosophy
I agree but in terms of the features, momentum, and community around rust I think it’s the most promising option for memory safe language. But you’re right that it’s not the only option, I should say that they should be more welcoming to mixed language development with memory safe languages in general
Hey one thing I noticed in your safe mobile operating systems section is that you recommend divestOS as an alternative to graphene. I have made the same recommendation for years, but if you aren’t aware that project actually shut down in December so it’s just gone now. A good recommendation that is still maintained is CalyxOS, which also supports bootloader locking after install (at least on pixels, they have caveats for fairphone devices). I haven’t had a chance to read all of your guide yet though, but other than this I’ve enjoyed the parts I’ve gotten to. Thanks for making it!
Rust is the future for this sort of systems programming work, and by failing to see that and accommodate its use both Linus and Hellwig are sabotaging the long term viability of the kernel imo. New devs are keen to jump on rust because of how much it does better than C/++ and how much easier it is to make safe and secure systems with it, but shit like this just demotivates that crowd and thins the pool of people who are willing to contribute going forward. We need memory safety by default, the task of kernel stability is only going to get more complex and unsustainable without it. Stop holding onto tradition and purity for the sake of it
This is not true. You may be thinking of the Secure Enclave, which Apple processors have had for a while and acts as a dedicated piece of silicon to protect encryption keys. But pixels have this too, idk about phones with Qualcomm or exynos SOCs but they likely have something similar. Either way it has no impact on battery life and all major smartphones have been capable of encryption for many years
It’s good that it’s gone, but this makes me think US imperialism is going to stop trying to curry favor with soft power and kickbacks for compradors, and instead go full mask off and just coup or invade everyone they want shit from. I know that the hard power has been used excessively throughout US history for these goals already but I worry it could ramp up to new levels.
I agree. I think Hector Martin should not have endorsed that sort of behavior to whatever extent he did. But I also think long term that the sorts of behavior that’s keeping these rust patches out of the code base will kill the future of the project. The reasons given aren’t even applicable since the patches are in their own branch of the tree. But I agree brigading is not the way to address these sorts of organizational issues