On Halloween, Debian developer Julian Andres Klode delivered some unsettling news for users and developers of Debian Linux: starting next year, the APT packaging tool will require a Rust compiler. This change means that all Debian architectures must support Rust, or they risk being phased out.
Julian outlined plans to make these Rust dependencies mandatory for APT no earlier than May 2026. The decision comes from the desire to enhance APT’s codebase, particularly in areas that involve parsing .deb files and verifying HTTP signatures. Rust, known for its memory safety, presents significant advantages here. Julian emphasized, “Our code to parse .deb, .ar, .tar, and the HTTP signature verification code would strongly benefit from memory-safe languages.”
This requirement poses challenges for certain Debian ports, especially those less common like m68k, HPPA, SuperH/SH4, and Alpha, as they currently lack Rust support. Julian advised maintainers of these ports: “If you maintain a port without a working Rust toolchain, please ensure it has one within the next 6 months, or sunset the port.” The goal is to enable the project to advance with modern tools rather than being hindered by outdated technology.
The Rust programming language has been gaining traction in various tech environments due to its safety features. According to a recent survey by Stack Overflow, Rust has consistently ranked as one of the most loved programming languages, with 86% of developers wishing to continue using it. Its focus on performance and reliability makes it a valuable asset for projects like APT.
For those interested in the full announcement by Julian, it can be found on the Debian mailing list. By transitioning to Rust, Debian aims to stay relevant in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
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