"People have even been talking about the Rust integration being a failure … We've been doing this for a couple of years now so it's way too early to even say that, but I also think that even if it were to become a failure – and I don't think it will – that's how you learn," he said.
"So I see the whole Rust thing as positive, even if the arguments are not necessarily always [so]."
IDK, that seems pretty clear to me. He thinks that it's a good thing to try regardless of the outcome because it's generating good technical discussion and unsettling overly-settled assumptions. He does also seem to think that it hasn't failed and won't fail. Mostly he seems surprised by the sheer religiosity of the arguments that crop up.
So, he's not taking sides, but he doesn't regret the decision to attempt to integrate Rust into the kernel.
You might take it as a clear opinion, but I read it as he is just enjoying the show.
Rust-in-kernel project is now years old, it is about time to take a stance. IMO he would actually weigh in with a clear opinion if he would say something like "Rust code goes in, if it improves the kernel! Everybody get out, it's already merged" or "So far Rust brought only more drama in the kernel, show me the code finally or get out!".
But this "meh, I couldn't care less what happens" answer is on one hand disappointing, and on the other hand isn't unexpected, unfortunately.
> But this "meh, I couldn't care less what happens"
I disagree with that interpretation. To me it reads as “the arguments are silly and unproductive. So far Rust looks positive to me but it’s early to say for sure”. That sounds perfectly reasonable to me.
And honestly, I hope Linus ignores criticism like yours¹. I hope that after the “reform” he feels happier and more adjusted and that he has a renewed love in doing good over being efficient. Software ultimately exists to serve people, so we’d all do well to put humanity first.
I think it is pretty clear from this interview that Linus has no intention to get involved as some Rust developers had hoped. Rust kernel developers will have to sink or swim on their own. And Linus seems ok with either outcome.
Seems clear that he considers Rust a good thing. And if he hasn't gone back on his C++ opinions, that would suggest he likes Rust way more than C++, right?
That's not much of weighing in. "Not everyone likes it, and it's ok"
Pre-reform Linus 1.0 had his own flaws, but at least had a clear opinion on things, be it good or bad.
"People have even been talking about the Rust integration being a failure … We've been doing this for a couple of years now so it's way too early to even say that, but I also think that even if it were to become a failure – and I don't think it will – that's how you learn," he said.
"So I see the whole Rust thing as positive, even if the arguments are not necessarily always [so]."
IDK, that seems pretty clear to me. He thinks that it's a good thing to try regardless of the outcome because it's generating good technical discussion and unsettling overly-settled assumptions. He does also seem to think that it hasn't failed and won't fail. Mostly he seems surprised by the sheer religiosity of the arguments that crop up.
So, he's not taking sides, but he doesn't regret the decision to attempt to integrate Rust into the kernel.
You might take it as a clear opinion, but I read it as he is just enjoying the show.
Rust-in-kernel project is now years old, it is about time to take a stance. IMO he would actually weigh in with a clear opinion if he would say something like "Rust code goes in, if it improves the kernel! Everybody get out, it's already merged" or "So far Rust brought only more drama in the kernel, show me the code finally or get out!".
But this "meh, I couldn't care less what happens" answer is on one hand disappointing, and on the other hand isn't unexpected, unfortunately.
> But this "meh, I couldn't care less what happens"
I disagree with that interpretation. To me it reads as “the arguments are silly and unproductive. So far Rust looks positive to me but it’s early to say for sure”. That sounds perfectly reasonable to me.
And honestly, I hope Linus ignores criticism like yours¹. I hope that after the “reform” he feels happier and more adjusted and that he has a renewed love in doing good over being efficient. Software ultimately exists to serve people, so we’d all do well to put humanity first.
¹ Though I don’t mean to single you out.
I think it is pretty clear from this interview that Linus has no intention to get involved as some Rust developers had hoped. Rust kernel developers will have to sink or swim on their own. And Linus seems ok with either outcome.
bingo. i think that is the best read on the situation.
Seems clear that he considers Rust a good thing. And if he hasn't gone back on his C++ opinions, that would suggest he likes Rust way more than C++, right?
His opinion seems pretty clear, just not the one you want. It'll continue or not without his forcing
That's just reality