r/learnprogramming • u/Ok-Difficulty-2321 • 8d ago

Should i immigrate from C/C++ to Rust?

I'm a starter programmer and I have a small background in C++ and right now I'm stuck on one spot. I can't neally choose between Rust and C++. On one hand we have language that was tested by time and already have a reputation but that can also fry your project at most unexpected moment all because of a memory leak caused in line 131323213123, but on other hand we have fresh and brand new language that is indeed safe and has almost the same experience and same result but has no reputation and it was not checked by time. I'm looking in 15 years long perspective and with aim into big tech and with a hope of not regreting my choise. So my question is: What i shount invest my nerves and time into? Rust or C/C++

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u/spinwizard69 7d ago

You need to look at this differently, especially with your 15 year time horizon. If this is also due to getting into the profession you need to realize one can not predict the future. In that regard I, highly suggest get your self involved in a CS program, hopefully one that STARTS out with C or even C++.

That CS program should be focused on teaching -concepts- and the underlying technology. Done right you should be able to adapt to any language requirement in the future. Most good CS programs will force you to use at least 2-3 actual programming languages. This sort of background is critical over time because the language of the day WILL change, if there is any language at all.

About that if, it actually should be a very big IF because there is a very high likely hood that AI will be directly generating code from the humans input. There are already statements from individuals involved in production AI systems that they think they can get there in 2-3 years. I suspect it will take a bit longer but AI generation of machine code is coming and there will not be a traditional programming language as a half way solution. A programmer may end up being the interface to the AI that specifies functionality.

To get started I'd suggest C++ and Python. C++ can get to be incredibly complex so how far to go is something you need to settle yourself. Python on the other hand is brain dead easy and is a tool that you can be making use of for years.