Google donates $1M to Rust Foundation for enhanced C++/Rust interoperability

The Rust Foundation, a nonprofit entity committed to the advancement of the Rust programming language, has revealed Google's $1M donation, specifically designated to fund the Interop Initiative, a fresh endeavor aimed at C++/Rust interoperability. The Rust toolset and ecosystem currently facilitate interoperability with Android, and Google reports consistent enhancements in Rust's compatibility with C++ through ongoing investments in tools such as cxx, autocxx, bindgen, cbindgen, diplomat, and crubit.

For entities with extensive C++ code in their main products, transitioning to Rust may not be feasible within a realistic timeframe due to various business or technical constraints. To address this, the Rust Foundation, backed by Google, has launched the Interop Initiative to streamline the process of adopting Rust for organizations worldwide that rely on C++.

The initial task for the Rust Foundation's Interop Initiative will be to formulate a scope of work proposal for deliberation among team members, the Rust Project Leadership Council, Rust Project stakeholders, pertinent Rust Foundation member organizations, and its board. Suggestions are expected to encompass the recruitment of one or more Interop Initiative engineers and might also involve allocating resources to augment existing interoperability efforts, integrate build systems, use AI for C++ to Rust conversion, or a mix of these elements.