C++ or Rust–Which Language Is Right for You?

Choosing the right programming language can feel overwhelming, especially when starting out or looking to level up your skills. C++ and Rust are two languages often mentioned in conversations about systems programming, game development, and backend infrastructure. But how do you know which is the right fit for your goals?

In this post, we’ll break down the key features, performance benchmarks, industry use cases, and pros and cons of both C++ and Rust. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which language to invest your time in. Whether you’re building your first backend system or exploring the world of high-performance programming, we’ve got you covered!

What Is C++?

C++ is a powerful, general-purpose language that gives you low-level control over memory and system resources. It was designed to extend C, making it both fast and flexible. C++ is used in industries where speed and precision are critical.

Core Features of C++

  • Object-oriented programming (OOP) allows code to be organized using classes and objects, which is helpful in managing large projects.
  • Manual memory management allows users to control how memory is allocated or freed, which maximizes performance but comes with a learning curve.
  • Templates and polymorphism make C++ highly reusable and adaptable to different types of projects.

C++ excels in areas where speed, resource management, and control over hardware are necessary; it’s a good fit if you enjoy digging deep into how things work and want complete control over your code.

What Is Rust?

Rust is a modern systems programming language designed to solve some of the challenges that come with C++, especially around memory management and concurrency. One of Rust’s defining features is its ownership model, which ensures that memory is managed safely without needing a garbage collector. This makes Rust relatively safe for developers who want to avoid common pitfalls like segmentation faults. 

Core Features of Rust

  • Memory safety without garbage collection in Rust ensures memory is safely allocated and freed at compile time, eliminating memory leaks.
  • Concurrency without data races in Rust makes it easier to write multithreaded code that is safe and reliable.
  • Rust’s modern, easy-to-learn syntax makes it clearer and more accessible than many other low-level languages, making it a good choice for entry-level programmers.

Rust is a great choice if you’re getting into systems programming and want a language that helps you write reliable, bug-free code.

C++ vs. Rust: Key Differences

Both C++ and Rust are powerful, but each shines in different areas. Here’s how they compare:

FeatureC++Rust
Memory ManagementManual control (risk of leaks)Ownership model ensures memory safety
PerformanceHigh, but requires optimization expertiseHigh, with fewer memory bugs
Learning CurveRequires prior programming experienceRequires some experience; easier to master than to get started
Error HandlingUses exceptionsPowerful error handling with pattern matching
ConcurrencyComplex, with manual thread managementSafe concurrency model prevents data races

Performance Comparison: Rust vs C++

C++ has been a performance leader for decades. Developers rely on it for applications like real-time game engines, where every millisecond counts. However, Rust is proving to be just as fast, especially in multi-threaded applications.

One of Rust’s key advantages is its safety guarantees. In C++, managing memory and avoiding bugs can require extensive testing and optimization. Rust, on the other hand, prevents these issues by design. This makes Rust a better option for developers focusing on building features rather than fixing memory-related bugs.

C++ and Rust in Industry: Real-World Examples

Both languages are widely used in industry but for different kinds of projects. Here are a few notable examples:

C++ in Action

  • Game Engines: C++ powers Unreal Engine, Unity, and other tools used to build some of the world’s most popular video games.
  • Embedded Systems: Devices like smart sensors and robotics use C++ because of its close interaction with hardware.
  • Finance: Trading platforms rely on C++ for low-latency performance in high-frequency trading.

Rust in Action

  • Mozilla Firefox: Mozilla uses Rust for Firefox components to improve speed and security.
  • Efficiency: Figma chose Rust to rewrite their multiplayer server to sustain their product’s real time collaborative editing capability, and Dropbox chose Rust for writing several components of the Dropbox core file-storage system.
  • Web Services: Companies like Discord use Rust for high-performance backend services, and Yelp used Rust to build a framework for real-time A/B testing.

Which Language Should You Choose?

The right language for you depends on your current programming experience and the type of project you want to work on.

  • If you’re just starting out, C++ might be slightly more beginner friendly, but Rust provides safety and simplicity to help you avoid common programming pitfalls.
  • For secure, high-concurrency systems, Rust is the better option for building reliable web services or blockchain projects.
  • For hardware-intensive tasks, C++ still reigns supreme in industries like robotics, gaming, and finance.
  • In 2023, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA, or “America’s Cyber Defense Agency”) urged software manufacturers “to make it a top-level company goal to reduce and eventually eliminate memory safety vulnerabilities from their product lines”, calling out Rust specifically as a “language with the speed of C/C++ with built-in memory safety assurances”.

What do developers say about Rust?

Rust has been deemed the most admired programming language among developers in Stack Overflow’s annual developer survey for nine years in a row. That got us thinking–what do Udacity’s own developers think about Rust?

  • “Rust is one of the top languages that I’ve wanted to learn and use for a while” – Justin Palmer, Software Engineer
  • “Rust being used in the linux kernel is a BIG signal of maturity for the language that communicates how some of the most serious programmers in the world consider it useful, performant, and reliable enough for broad software infrastructure.” – Connor Finnel, Senior Software Engineer, Core Services
  • “Rust is fantastic when it comes to writing performant, robust applications. Memory safety being one of the main selling points.” – Justin Pye, Senior Software Engineer, Platforms
  • “Wildly popular in system level programming these days. Lots of new and popular tools coming out are built with Rust.” – Simon Dong, Senior Manager, Data Engineering
  • “It’s a fun language to learn!” – Aron Asor, Software Engineer, Platform Infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions about Rust and C++

Q: Is Rust better than C++ for game development?
A: Not yet. While Rust is promising, C++ still dominates game development because of its mature libraries and industry adoption.

Q: Can Rust replace C++?
A: In some areas, yes. Rust is quickly becoming a favorite for blockchain projects and web services, but C++ remains essential for hardware programming.

Q: Is Rust easier to learn than C++?
A: There’s some nuance required here. Much like the skiing vs. snowboarding debate, many find C++ easier to learn, while Rust is easier to master.

Q: Is it better to learn C++ or Rust?
A: Rust is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the tools to write safe, efficient code without the headaches of manual memory management. On the other hand, if you’re ready to tackle more complex, low-level challenges, C++ provides quality performance and control.

Either way, Start Your Journey with Udacity!

If you’re ready to explore the exciting world of Rust, check out Udacity’s brand new Intro to Rust course! With hands-on projects and expert guidance, you’ll master the skills to build fast, reliable, and secure applications—even if you’re just starting out.

Thinking C++ is where you want to take your skill development next? Our catalog has a variety of options for C++ beginners and experts alike.

Don’t wait—enroll today and be a better developer with Udacity!

Patrick Donovan
Patrick Donovan
Head of Consumer Marketing at Udacity