Tech Transfer from Old Languages to GO and Rust

Migrating Projects to Go and Rust: A Growing Trend

Preface

Recently, many tech companies have begun migrating projects originally written in C, C#, Java, and Python to the Go programming language. Similarly, though less frequently, some are transitioning to Rust.

Why Migrate?

1. Performance: Older languages like Python2, Java, and PHP often struggle to meet modern performance needs, especially for demanding applications.
2. Scalability: Go and Rust are better suited for scalable architectures.
3. Cost Efficiency: These languages reduce development costs by addressing multiple needs effectively.
4. Faster Development: Go and Rust enable concise codebases, reducing development time. Their tooling (e.g., LSP support, auto-correction, and refactoring) further accelerates workflows.
5. Streamlined Documentation: Tools like Hugo and Mdbook make documentation faster and more accessible.
6. Ease of Learning: Clear syntax and coding standards simplify learning.

Rust Rewrites

A growing trend among developers is rewriting libraries and applications in Rust to improve performance and maintainability. Russian developer forums and GitHub communities frequently host discussions and collaborative projects on this topic.

Company Transitions

Startups and large tech firms alike are adopting Go and Rust for both new and existing projects. Examples include:

• Khan Academy’s migration from Python2 to Go for their backend.
• Various case studies shared on the Go programming language website.
• Reddit discussions highlighting companies’ journeys to Go or Rust.

Transition Strategies

1. Parallel Development: Teams develop new systems alongside existing ones, eventually switching over when the new version is complete.
2. Full Rewrite: Older, outdated projects are rewritten in Go or Rust to enhance performance and scalability before being re-released.

Library Growth

Although Go and Rust lack the extensive libraries available in Python or JavaScript, their ecosystems are rapidly expanding. Popular libraries and tools are being rewritten or ported:

• Go: pkg.go.dev
• Rust: crates.io

Challenges for Turkish Developers

• Limited Local Platforms: Unlike other tech-producing nations, Turkey has fewer local communities and discussion forums for Go and Rust.
• Lack of Turkish Resources: While over 50 English books are available, Turkish e-books or printed materials are scarce.

Conclusion

Go and Rust are driving significant changes in the tech industry, offering compelling advantages in performance, scalability, and development efficiency. While challenges remain, especially in localized support, the growth of these languages signals exciting opportunities for developers worldwide.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this article provides valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of programming technologies.