Rust and Python The Best One is the Best Choice For Your Project?

Dec 15, 2022
Rust vs Python

Rust vs Python is a popular debate nowadays. Although both languages can be used to program general-purpose, one is superior to the other in certain scenarios and in certain niches.

To know which one to use in your work You must have a very good understanding of the capabilities and structure of each. This Rust vs Python article will assist you in that.

Let's get started!

What is Rust?

The Rust logo with the name in bold letters right to the image.
Programming language Rust Logo. (Image Source: Rust Official Site)

The program does not include garbage collection or run time. This is why Rust provides solutions to many issues in C++, including the issue of memory management and concurrency. While it's a new language Rust has been recognized for the 7th time as being the most loved technology according to the StackOverflow Developer survey 2022 also.

Who uses Rust?

Logos of 10 popular companies that use Rust.
Companies using Rust. (Image source: OpenXcell)

When Rust became available to all over the globe, a variety of enterprises, from start-ups to large corporations, started to adopt it to enhance existing and build new software applications and other services. Today, many of the world's top tech companies are using Rust. Here are how they use Rust.

  1. Dropbox: Dropbox, the world's leading storage provider for files, employs Rust to synchronize files in its service, which is among its most important components.
  2. Google: Google is another company that is associated with the Rust foundation. Google utilizes Rust for Android development, and it is an important language for developing the Linux kernel operating system.
  3. Microsoft: Microsoft uses Rust within its Windows operating system. And they will launch a fresh version of Rust that enables developers to utilize the Windows API to develop software.
  4. Coursera One of the most popular online learning platforms uses Rust to run its assignments in programming feature.

What Is Python?

The logo of the Python programming language and the name Python on the right side of the logo.
The logo of Python.

Who uses Python?

Logos of a large set of popular companies that use Python.
Many companies use Python. (Image source: DailySmarty)

Python is used extensively in IT as well as education, the finance, and government. The following are the top tech companies that use Python.

  1. Netflix: Netflix is a business that utilizes Python for data analysis. They also use Python in the Central Alert Gateway that sends user alerts and monkey apps that monitor security-related changes.
  2. Instagram: Instagram, which is a media social platform that permits the sharing of videos and images, has scaled its infrastructure by using Python.

The Key Characteristics of Rust

Rust brings the best in C++ and additional capabilities. The four main key features of Rust include memory security, thread safety and zero-cost abstractions.

Memory Security

In the case of a programming language such as C++, many problems with memory can affect the application's performance. Rust solves most problems with memory management through its 'ownership model' and type system. It allows applications to analyse memory at compile time rather than in run time.

The result is that variables are in control of their memory. They may encrypt memory of other variables. This removes the need for a garbage collector and ensures that Rust software is bug-free at the compile time.

Thread Safety

Thread security is a kind of technology that is guaranteed to not cause racing conditions during the runtime. When more than one thread simultaneously use the same memory there is a race situation which can cause unusual behavior in the program.

In Rust's model of ownership for data it is possible for threads to only write to a variable when they have it in their possession or can borrow it mutably. This ensures that only one thread can access an individual variable at any one time.

Zero-Cost Abstractions

As you continue with the development process, you could require more abstractions in your code to facilitate maintenance of the code as well as to enable you to add more features. using more abstractions in the code. This can affect your programs' performance when running.

Rust guarantees that abstractions come absolutely free. It means abstractions do not have run time overhead as well as code that uses abstractions is similar to one which does not contain abstractions.

Cross-Platform Support

Key features of Python

Python was initially designed for accessibility to code. This is why its syntax is closely resembling what is used in the English language. Additionally, Python is used by various academic groups to conduct scientific and mathematical research. Thus, it is many libraries for maths and numerous calculation.

Simple English-Like Syntax

Also, its easy syntax structure makes it easier to develop faster. You can write an Python program in fewer lines of code as compared to other languages. It also reduces amount of time it takes to bring an application on the market.

Dynamically typed

It is not necessary to specify variable types in Python because the Python interpreter will do that for you during program run time using the expression of the variable. Therefore, you are able to focus directly on the functionality instead of spending time to properly define variables.

Large Community

Python has a huge community with millions of people worldwide to help and support the development of Python. This huge community can be beneficial to every Python programmer because they are able to rapidly find solutions for any difficulties they may encounter during the development process.

Large Standard Library

Pythons standard library is comprised of plenty of frameworks, modules, and libraries with reusable code for developing almost anything you want. Therefore, you don't have to spend time and time developing each component from scratch.

Cross-Platform Support

An image of logos of 4 operating systems supported by Python. First is Windows, the second is Apple, the third is Android and the fourth is Linux.
Python support across multiple platforms. (Image source: TheGameRoof)

Python lets applications run in various platforms including Windows, Linux, macOS as well., eliminating the need to write separate code for each one of these platforms.

Pros & Cons of Using Rust

Rust is a great choice when compared to negatives. Let's find out what they are.

Advantages

Rust's main benefit Rust is its superior performance. But that's not the only one. This list will give you all the major advantages of Rust.

  • Rust is ideal for performance-critical applications since Rust has a high memory efficiency and does not require garbage collection or running time.
  • Rust is Memory , and Thread safe because of its ownership model and its type system.
  • Rust is highly typed and statically typed language that ensures no code errors are related to declared variables which are incorrectly defined.
  • Rust's low overhead is perfect for embedded programming
  • Community Rust lets you talk about issues and ideas with others, organize events, conferences or other events., and provides many educational tools.
  • Rust is a rich source of documentation.
  • It comes with a variety of tools that increase your productivity. For example, it includes an integrated package manager , a builders tool, editor support that includes useful functions, as well as an error-checker that provides useful messages.
  • There are command lines that make it easier to work by integrating into the crates.io ecosystem.
  • Rust lets developers develop applications that support cross-platforms.

Drawbacks

Rust is not without its negatives, too. And it is important to understand these before you begin using the language. Some of those drawbacks include:

  • The time to compile Rust is much slower than the other languages. It is compatible with the entire package or crate at the time of compile. Thus, compile time can be extended.
  • Learn it takes more time it compared with other languages like Python. You should at least know the basics of one language in order to use it. This means that Rust inappropriate for individuals who are learning to code for it for the very first time.
  • Rust isn't a great assistance for monkey patching.
  • It is possible to create bigger binary files.

Pros and Cons of Using Python

After we've looked at Rust, let's take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of using Python.

Advantages

Numerous developers love Python and it's simple to understand why. The main advantages are as follows:

  • Python is a versatile programming language utilized in a range of scenarios such as data web development machine learning, data science Prototyping, scripting testing automation, and so on.
  • Python's extensive standard library allows developers to create any kind of numerical calculation from simple to complicated data analytics applications that require less codes.
  • Dynamic typing is faster than declaring variable types.
  • Create software that is cross-platform support.
  • Because Python is an interpreted language that makes troubleshooting a much simpler process
  • Large community support helps clients get fast assistance with issues, and solve them quicker.

Drawbacks

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  • Python isn't suitable for tasks which require speed since Python is slower than other languages because of its execution line-by line and dynamic typing.
  • Python consumes a high amount of memory due to its characteristics like the flexibility of data types. This makes it unsuitable for applications that require a lot of memory.
  • Typing dynamically can result in eros at the runtime, which is not detected during compile time.
  • It is unsuitable for applications that require mobile devices due to its low speed and heavy memory usage.
  • Database access using Python may be difficult due to the fact that it is not much developed similar to other languages.

Rust against Python: Head-to-Head Comparison

In the next section, we will examine the differences between Rust and Python in various aspects like employment options, features, scalability, flexibility, and speed.

Easy of Use/Learning

In terms of ease of use as well as learning, Python is ahead of the Rust language in terms of ease of use and learning. As mentioned earlier, Python has become one of the most widely used programming languages used worldwide because of its ease of understanding.

Pythons easy development interface and many available modules, libraries and frameworks allow it to be used in a variety of fields. Due to this reason, Python is used across a variety of fields compared to any another programming language.

Researchers find it easy to utilize. Even if they have no prior experience in programming, they will be able to comprehend its concepts easily. Also, they can write a Python program with less code lines, which would take a lot more code lines for Rust. Thus, in terms of user-friendliness and ease of learning, Python is the winner.

Employment Opportunities

A set of developers who are looking at their screens while working.
Opportunities for employment Rust as well as Python. (Image source: SEEK)

Python is an essential software in the tech stacks in a variety of industries around the world. There are numerous job possibilities for highly skilled Python programmers. Given its variety of uses, Python programmers can work in many areas.

Compared against Python, Rust is a new language. However, the use of Rust has been increasing in steady increments over the past years. In addition, the quantity of Rust programmers is significantly smaller than Python developers working in the field. Therefore, there's an increased need for Rust developers in various fields.

Error Handling

Rust and Python are different in their mechanisms for error handling. Pythons errors handling method doesn't allow much improvement opportunities when it comes to compile time. When an error is encountered, Python throws an exception during runtime, however it doesn't offer solutions to correct them.

Contrarily, Rust returns a value that indicates errors during the compile time and does not cease. It also provides possible fixes for it. It is therefore easier to deal with mistakes in Rust programs more easily than Python. Furthermore, the ability to identify mistakes at the time of compiling rather than run time helps create high-quality Rust programs.

Extensibility

Python is far ahead of Rust due to its large number of libraries, modules frameworks, tools, and libraries with the ability to be extensible. This is why you can use Python to create a straightforward script to automate day to day activities and build an elaborate web-based application without writing much programming. Python can be used to do many things in a wide range of fields due to its high flexibility.

Comparatively to Python the Rust ecosystem still growing. It has also seen dramatic expansion in recent several years. The Rust community crates registry keeps adding new crates. But, the amount of crates aren't as extensible as in Python.

Features

When you look at the capabilities of the two languages, Rust has more intuitive and distinct capabilities as compared to Python. Like we mentioned earlier, Rust is memory and thread-safe than Python. Rust programs are faster than Python without garbage collection and running time.

Zero cost abstraction helps programmers to write complex applications using Rust. A variety of useful tools are accessible in Rust to make the deployment process easier.

Python, on the other on the other hand, comes with fewer distinctive features than Rust. The most notable language characteristics of Python include the ability to type dynamically, easy syntax as well as interpreted general-purpose languages. Support for cross-platforms is standard in both languages.

So, in terms of feature sets, we can conclusively say that Rust is more feature-rich that Python.

Garbage Collection

Rust is not equipped with the garbage collection feature at moment of execution, but Python does. This means that Rust doesn't check to see if there is any memory that is not being used at the time which can slow down the process. In contrast, Python checks for unused memory when running this is among the causes for Python programs becoming slow compared to Rust.

Memory Management

Python and Rust handle memory in two different manners. Python utilizes a garbage collection for memory management, which constantly searches for unneeded variables within code before releasing their memory. On the contrary, Rust uses the ownership model of memory management that examines any ownership rules violations at compile time.

Furthermore, Rust uses stacks and heaps for storing values. The stack is used to store scalar data and the heap is utilized for values that are not scalar. Rusts' approach to managing memory is much more ingenuous than Python as it manages memory with greater efficiency than the regular garbage collector at run time.

Performance

If you take into consideration the performance aspects of the two languages, Rust is the clear winner. Rust is specifically designed to create high-performing applications. As Rust claims, Rust is 'blazing fast because of its inbuilt features like no interpreter and effective memory management.

On the other hand, slowness is one of Python's disadvantages, making it unsuitable for performance-intensive applications. Pythons slow performance is due to its interpreter and inadequate memory management, which is based on garbage collection at run time.

Popularity

If you compare these two popularity-wise, Python is the most used programming language by those who work in the field and also people learning to write code. Pythons' constant popularity has been revealed through the most comprehensive and reliable surveys of programming usage. As an example, the 2020 Stack Overflow Developer Survey revealed that Python is the third-most popular programming software language in the world. Rust did not even come much better than it.

It is interesting to note that Python has also managed keep its status as a popular language according to the most recent 2022 StackOverflow Developer Survey. The 2022 survey results confirmed it was Rust is the most-loved programming language, which it has maintained for several years.

Scalability

The limitations of Python's performance, such as slow speed, inefficient memory management, and an interpreted programming language, have reduced its ability to scale the application to accommodate a larger user base. However, Pythons limits to scalability can be overcome using techniques such as horizontal and vertical scale of the foundational infrastructure.

Python is utilized by a variety of tech companies with a growing user base. This means that Python could be scalable with the proper use of infrastructure scale. In contrast, Rust is designed to be high-performing. This means that you can create websites that are scalable using Rust without a lot of infrastructure scaling or cost.

Security

An image of security with its relevance to the web, servers, mobile phones wifi, etc.
Comparison of security between Rust against Python. (Image source: TechRepublic)

Rust is designed to achieve more security than Python. The Secure Rust Guidelines explain how the language focuses on becoming a memory safety language. Every memory issue is detected when compiled, and prevent any unintentional access to variables.

In addition in addition, in addition, the Rust team is constantly striving to address the security vulnerabilities of this Rust ecosystem. It is possible to view all security patches on the Rust announcements on security mailing list.

On the contrary, Python is not memory- and thread-safe to the same level as Rust. It is essential for developers to control memory and avoid leaks.

Speed

Speed directly relates to the memory and performance efficiency of the program. Because Rust is more memory - and performance efficient, Rust programs have a greater speed of execution over Python applications.

Support (Community and Documentation)

Unlike Rust, Python has a vast and diverse community and documentation. The Python community is a large and active community that allows users to participate in Python development as well as easily get answers to any questions. There is a huge database of knowledge from which you can learn everything about Python.

Rust, on the other side, is home to a tiny population. But Rust is a popular choice for beginners. Rust community is rapidly expanding and the documentation for Rust is thorough and well-written. Learn Rust from A through Z.

Comparison Reference Table Rust against Python

This table provides a summary of the head-to-head analysis between Rust against Python.

Features Python Rust
Easy of Use/Learning Simple to master and easy to use with simple syntax, and vast libraries The program is complex to understand. Prior programming skills are required.
Employment Opportunities Higher opportunities It has less opportunities, yet it is one of those languages that can earn a higher starting salary.
Error handling It throws exceptions during runtime. It does not provide any recommendations on how to fix errors. Processing errors at compile time including suggestions on how to correct the mistakes
Extensibility An abundance of libraries make it extremely flexible It is not as extensible as Python
Features It's not easy to find unique and intuitive features A variety of distinct and easy-to-use features
Garbage Collection It is available Not garbage collection
Memory Management Through garbage collection Through type system and ownership model
Performance Low-performance High-performance
Popularity A lot of people are interested in it. Rust Popularity is lower is lower than Python
Scalability It is less scalable as Rust Highly scalable
Security There is no thread-safety or memory protection. Much more secure than Python with memory and thread security
Speed More sluggish than Rust Ideal for high-speed applications
Help An extensive and varied community, with extensive documentation Community is smaller compared to Python however it has a vast document library

Rust Vs Python What Should You Use?

The selection of Rust and Python depends entirely upon the kind of code you can create by using the two programming languages. Each language has pros and cons. You can observe from this post, Rust is the most appropriate one for those looking to build high-efficiency, efficient and large-scale applications.

Although Python isn't as safe and reliable than Rust because of its speedier development capabilities and an extensive set of libraries that are available, it is recommended to choose it for prototyping, scripting, data science, machine learning as well as data analysis.

Summary

Python is among the top well-known programming language for many different many uses. Even though Rust is a bit older than Python, it has become increasingly popular for its advantages over Python. The top tech firms in the world use both Python and Rust to a great extent. Thread and memory safety and zero-cost abstractions are the prominent features of Rust.

In contrast, Python is popular for its easy syntax, dynamic typing, huge support from the community, as well as a variety of libraries. Slower compile time and inadequate support of monkey patching are two major drawbacks to Rust. The major Python negatives are the slow speeds and a lack of support for database connectivity and mobile development.

Which language -- Rust or Python -- which one will you choose in your next venture? Tell us by commenting.

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