What's Happening?
The upcoming Linux 7.0 release is set to include improvements for Rust and Link-Time Optimization (LTO) kernel builds. Alice Ryhl from Google has been working on a series of patches to enable inlining
of C helpers into Rust when using LTO. This involves adding a '__rust_helper' annotation to Rust helpers within the kernel, addressing issues with LLVM's code generation units. The patches are part of a broader effort to enhance performance and support for Rust in the Linux kernel, leveraging the capabilities of the LLVM/Clang compiler.
Why It's Important?
The integration of Rust and LTO in Linux 7.0 represents a significant advancement in kernel development. Rust is known for its safety and performance features, and its inclusion in the Linux kernel could lead to more secure and efficient systems. The use of LTO further optimizes performance by allowing more aggressive inlining and optimization during the build process. These improvements are crucial for developers and organizations relying on Linux for high-performance and secure applications. The ongoing development reflects the Linux community's commitment to adopting modern programming languages and techniques to enhance the kernel's capabilities.
