Yet more reasons to learn/use Rust: DARPA converting from C to Rust
Preserving legacy code by switching to a newer language
TRACTOR (TRanslating All C TO Rust) is the name DARPA assigned to a project to create a programmatic code conversion vehicle.
The switch is designed to enhance memory safety. A relative newcomer since its first stable release in 2015, Rust is relatively resistant to such vulnerabilities. Bugs in memory safety include buffer overflows, some of the most critical and powerfully exploitable vulnerabilites in most major codebases.
CISA has already promoted the use of memory-safe languages such as C#, Go, Java, Python, and Swift.
C’s uses of pointers poses a problem for the conversion process. Rust does not allow pointers, so the C code will have to be partially rewritten to work around that challenge. DARPA’s plans encompass open-source codebases.
DARPA will hold an event for RFPs (Requests for Proposals) on August 26, 2024, for virtual or in-person attendance. Registration details are here.
See https://www.theregister.com/2024/08/03/darpa_c_to_rust/.