Why Rust cannot replace C++

https://medium.com/@pepitoscrespo/why-rust-cannot-replace-c-but-quite-the-contrary-5577e1f5af0a

Jose Crespo, PhD

The evolution of C++ in its recent standards (C++11 and later) has significantly closed the gap in safety and ease of use, which are hallmark-strengths of Rust. Features like smart pointers, move semantics, and improved RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization) for concurrency have made C++ not only more robust but also easier and safer to use.

Modern C++ Features Reducing Cognitive Burden

  • Smart Pointers
    Smart pointers (std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr along with utility functions like std::make_shared ) automate memory management, significantly reducing the risk of memory leaks and dangling pointers.
  • Generic Templates
    Modern C++’s advanced template features, including template metaprogramming, allow for more expressive and reusable code, reducing redundancy.
  • RAII for Concurrency
    C++ has enhanced its concurrency toolkit with RAII-based mechanisms (like std::lock_guard and std::unique_lock), simplifying resource management in multithreaded environments.
  • Lambda Expressions and Auto Keyword
    Features like lambda expressions and the auto keyword make C++ code more concise and readable, reducing cognitive load.

Impact on Rust’s Critiques

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"content": "<article><div><div><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://medium.com/@pepitoscrespo?source=post_page---byline--5577e1f5af0a--------------------------------\"><div><p><img alt=\"Jose Crespo, PhD\" src=\"https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:88:88/1*z3o2esgMqvqxac_D0tjEsg.jpeg\" /></p></div></a></div><figure></figure><blockquote><p>The evolution of C++ in its recent standards (C++11 and later) has significantly closed the gap in safety and ease of use, which are hallmark-strengths of Rust. Features like smart pointers, move semantics, and improved RAII (Resource Acquisition Is Initialization) for concurrency have made C++ not only more robust but also easier and safer to use.</p></blockquote><h2 id=\"2f40\"><strong>Modern C++ Features Reducing Cognitive Burden</strong></h2><ul><li>Smart Pointers<br /> Smart pointers (std::unique_ptr, std::shared_ptr along with utility functions like std::make_shared ) automate memory management, significantly reducing the risk of memory leaks and dangling pointers.</li><li>Generic Templates<br /> Modern C++’s advanced template features, including template metaprogramming, allow for more expressive and reusable code, reducing redundancy.</li><li>RAII for Concurrency<br />C++ has enhanced its concurrency toolkit with RAII-based mechanisms (like std::lock_guard and std::unique_lock), simplifying resource management in multithreaded environments.</li><li>Lambda Expressions and Auto Keyword<br />Features like lambda expressions and the auto keyword make C++ code more concise and readable, reducing cognitive load.</li></ul><h2 id=\"fcad\">Impact on Rust’s Critiques</h2></div></article>",
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