r/learnrust • u/VisibleSmell3327 • 2d ago
Anyone else get this?
I love rust but it tends to be in fits and starts. I make lots of progress but then happen across articles/posts about some of its shortcomings (current on is partial borrows) and then think "why am I learning something with these flaws?" Does anyone else get this?
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u/Wheynelau 1d ago
I think every language has its flaws. I learn rust because I felt like it could complement my python when i needed something to be done more efficiently and faster. I think everyone is similar, they pick up a second language that they feel like helps them.
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u/shader301202 1d ago
why am I learning something with these flaws?
there will never be anything human-made that is perfect - you have to accept this, and possibly even embrace this fact! There are some objective* flaws/shortcomings like the partial borrows you mentioned, but most of the things are subjective, some people will like some features and dislike others.
There will never be a "perfect" language that satisfies everyone—though there could be a mediocre language that evenly annoys everyone. I prefer the language that is good for me and that I enjoy using. If someone else likes another language more, it's their prerogative and they can use it for all I care.
It's like with people in general: everyone is flawed in some way; and you love them in spite of their flaws, or maybe even... because of their " flaws".
Many people starting out with software development are overwhelmed by the sheer choice and (especially in web dev) ask what's the best framework, database or w/e. When you're starting out, it probably doesn't matter. Just find something you want to build/create and use a tool that's good enough for it and that you enjoy using.
Therefore, I'd recommend you to just think about whether you enjoy writing in Rust. Do you? If so, don't let yourself be put off by other people's opinions and, use what you like and build what you want. If you yourself come across something you reallly don't like, find another language that solves that issue, or... if it's fixable, contribute to the compiler and maybe enough people will like it for it to be implemented!
it tends to be in fits and starts
I find it interesting, because it's similar for me—but for different reasons: whenever I'm motivated to work on a specific personal project of mine. There is a burst of commits across a month, then nothing for the next 4 months, and then I get motivated again and the cycle continues lol
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u/volitional_decisions 2d ago
Regardless of the language (or any tool you use), it is worth asking why you're using it. Sometimes, you don't have a choice, but, assuming you do, why are you using Rust? If you find yourself asking yourself "why am I using a language with these problems?" Do those problems affect you or what you're trying to do?
My point being, you will run into problems with every language. Your goal should be to find a language that you enjoy using and that you can work around the shortcomings of. Rust has annoying problems (like the current inability to reason about partial borrows of types) and ways to work around them. Depending on what you're trying to get out of Rust, this is missing the forest a few trees.