C++ or Rust: Differences Explained

Why do we see more Rust apps each day? Is C++ really dying?

I decide to start on a new project - A cool CLI tool. I want it to be fast, reliable, and easy to maintain. Hmm, should I use C++ or Rust? The choice is not easy as it seems…

When it comes to high-performance low-level applications, C++ and Rust are two of the most popular languages. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them often depends on the specific requirements of the project. In this post, we’ll explore some of the key differences between C++ and Rust, and why you might choose one over the other.

What are these languages?

C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that was developed as an extension of the C programming language. It was designed to provide object-oriented programming features while maintaining the performance and efficiency of C. C++ is widely used in system programming, game development, and applications that require high performance.

Rust

Rust is a systems programming language that was designed to provide memory safety, concurrency, and performance. It was created by Mozilla and has gained popularity for its focus on safety and reliability. Rust’s ownership model and borrowing system help prevent common programming errors such as null pointer dereferences.

Performance

The main reason you probably consider C++ or Rust is performance. Both compilers use an LLVM backend, but most of the time, C++ is slightly faster than Rust. You can check out the exact benchmarks on this website. C++ tends to have a more mature ecosystem with highly optimized libraries and tools. On the other hand, Rust is still catching up, but it has made significant progress in recent years. C++ also gives you more control over low-level optimizations, which can lead to better performance in some cases. Rust, on the other hand, is still evolving and may not have the same level of optimization as C++.

Safety

While C++ is known for its raw speed, Rust is also known for its memory safety. Memory safety refers to a software’s ability to prevent memory-related errors and vulnerabilities, ensuring reliable and secure operation. C++ and C tend to have many memory-related vulnerabilities as compared to languages such as Python and Java. This is where Rust comes in. Rust offers speed and memory safety, making it a great choice for high-performance applications. Rust does this through its ownership model, which ensures that memory is managed safely and efficiently. This model prevents common programming errors such as null pointer dereferences and buffer overflows, which are often the source of security vulnerabilities in C and C++ programs.

Learning Curve

Unfortunately, both C++ and Rust have a steep learning curve. C++ has a complex syntax and a large standard library, which can make it difficult for beginners to learn. Rust, on the other hand, has a more modern syntax and a focus on safety, which can make it easier to learn for some developers. However, Rust’s ownership model and borrowing system can be challenging for newcomers, as they require a different way of thinking about memory management compared to C++ and other languages. This can lead to a longer learning curve for Rust, especially for developers who are used to traditional memory management techniques.

Ecosystem and Libraries

C++ has a long history and a vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks. It is widely used in various domains, including game development, system programming, and scientific computing. The C++ Standard Library provides a rich set of features, and there are many third-party libraries available for various tasks. Rust, while newer, has been rapidly growing its ecosystem. The Rust community is active and supportive, and the language has a package manager called Cargo that makes it easy to manage dependencies. Rust’s ecosystem is still maturing, but it has already gained traction in areas such as web development, embedded systems, and systems programming.

Community and Support

Both C++ and Rust have active communities, but they differ in their approach to community support. C++ has a long-established community with many resources, forums, and documentation available. However, the C++ community can sometimes be fragmented, with different standards and practices across various projects. Rust, on the other hand, has a strong emphasis on community and collaboration. The Rust community is known for being welcoming and inclusive, with a focus on helping newcomers. The official Rust documentation is comprehensive, making it easier for developers to get started.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both C++ and Rust have their strengths and weaknesses. C++ is a mature language with a vast ecosystem and high performance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Rust, on the other hand, offers memory safety and concurrency features that make it a great choice for high-performance applications that require reliability and security.

The choice between C++ and Rust ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your project. If you need maximum performance and are comfortable with the complexities of C++, it may be the right choice. If you prioritize memory safety and concurrency, and are willing to invest time in learning a new language, Rust could be the better option. Both languages have their place in the programming landscape, and understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision for your next project.

C++ is a nice language to use, but it’s been a while since I’ve learnt a new language. I start working on my new project - Curator, a versatile CLI tool for managing and organizing files, written in Rust.