Microsoft Aims to Replace C/C++ with Rust by 2030
Microsoft plans to replace its C/C++ codebase with Rust by 2030, using AI and algorithmic tooling to enhance security and reliability.
Microsoft Aims to Replace C/C++ with Rust by 2030
Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious program to translate its extensive C and C++ codebase into Rust by 2030. This initiative, announced by Microsoft distinguished engineer Galen Hunt, aims to enhance security and reliability across Windows, Azure, and other Microsoft products.
Background
- Who: The initiative was publicly announced by Galen Hunt and involves Microsoft’s engineering teams for Windows, Azure, and security.
- What: A program to replace C/C++ code with Rust, leveraging AI and algorithmic tooling.
- When: Target completion by 2030, with public reporting in late 2025.
- Where: Applies to Microsoft’s internal codebases.
- Why: To address memory-corruption vulnerabilities and improve security.
- How: Using AI agents, code-graph algorithms, and human review.
Key Features of Microsoft’s Approach
- AI plus Algorithms: Combines algorithmic code-graph analysis with AI agents for code translation.
- Scale Ambition: Aims for a high throughput of code translation, targeting “1 engineer, 1 month, 1 million lines of code.”
- Incremental Adoption: Expands existing efforts to move subsystems to Rust.
- Safety Rationale: Rust offers stronger compile-time guarantees against memory errors.
Technical and Organizational Challenges
- Legacy Complexity: Decades of C/C++ code with tight dependencies complicate translation.
- Semantic Fidelity and Correctness: Ensuring correct behavior and performance in translations.
- Tooling and Verification: Requires robust testing and verification practices.
- Ecosystem and Developer Skills: Training engineers and adapting build systems.
Industry Reaction and Implications
- Security and Reliability Gains: Potential reduction in memory-corruption bugs.
- Demonstration Effect: Could accelerate Rust adoption across other organizations.
- Skepticism and Realism: Concerns about the enormity of the task and need for careful review.
- Commercial and Competitive Angle: Reinforces Microsoft’s strategy of integrating AI into developer tooling.
Context and Likely Trajectory
Microsoft has been exploring Rust and AI-assisted code work for several years. The current program formalizes these efforts, focusing on translating security-sensitive components first. Progress metrics and demonstrator projects are expected to appear, with broader migration tooling published over time.
Visual Assets to Accompany Coverage
- Microsoft corporate logo and product imagery.
- Photographs of Galen Hunt, if available.
- Diagrams or screenshots illustrating code-graph and AI agent pipelines.
Notes on Sourcing
This article synthesizes Microsoft’s public statements and job posts, reported by outlets including Windows Central and The Register.
