The Rust programming language is quickly becoming a favorite for developers. Just a few years ago, you may have been forgiven for thinking that blockchain and smart contract programming had nothing to do with Rust. However, some of the most prominent smart contract blockchain networks are compatible with the Rust programming language. Also, Rust is becoming a popular choice for Web3 developers because it saves them time and energy when coding. Additionally, Rust eliminates multiple bug classes, reducing the likelihood of errors. As such, it expedites innovation and allows developers to get their applications to market quickly and securely. Plus, it is compatible with several other prominent programming languages.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the Rust programming language. We’ll explore the top blockchains that support Rust. Plus, we’ll discuss some of the reasons that Rust is becoming so popular for Web3 programming. But first, let’s start by exploring what Rust entails!
What is Rust?
Rust is a statically typed, open-source, memory-efficient programming language developed by Graydon Hoare. It enables developers to save a great deal of time when building applications and provides control over low-level details such as memory. Also, Rust uses a type system and ownership model that enables users to avoid multiple bug classes. Plus, it’s compatible with several other prominent programming languages. What’s more, the Rust programming language doesn’t have a garbage collector or use a runtime. In turn, it makes it extremely proficient in powering high-performance computations without compromise, even on embedded devices.
Furthermore, Rust enables developers to streamline their workflows and complete more tasks in a shorter period. Accordingly, Rust has a low barrier to entry and is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to become a developer but has little or no experience. Moreover, the Rust programming language facilitates complex problem-solving with an ergonomic and intuitive design. Users don’t need to understand all of the various complexities of the problems they encounter to identify and solve them.
Why Developers Use Rust
When we think of Web3 and blockchain programming languages, we often think of JavaScript, C++, and Python. However, many development teams are switching from these languages to the Rust programming language, as it provides them with several compelling advantages. For example, Rust is super-fast and reliable. It can minimize memory-related bugs when compiling. Plus, it has fast execution speeds. Another significant benefit is that Rust is quite easy to learn. Not only does it enable developers to write code quickly, but the learning curve is much easier to navigate than in many other prominent programming languages.
Furthermore, Rust enables large development teams with different levels of expertise and programming ability to collaborate without friction. When large teams use Rust, they are able to focus more time and energy on the logic of their programs and worry less about finding bugs. Moreover, the Rust programming language provides a suite of tools that streamline the development process and optimize workflows. For example, the integrated dependency management and building tool make formatting and style adherence straightforward.
Because Rust is a compiled programming language, users can compile programs as binary executable files that are compatible with other languages. Additionally, the automatic formatting tool and integrated package manager allow developers to achieve more in less time. Moreover, Rust uses a syntax that is much like that of JavaScript and C++. This makes the Rust programming language extremely efficient and prevents many different types of crashes. Plus, anyone with experience using C++ can pick up Rust in no time.
Top Blockchains Using the Rust Programming Language
Rust is quickly becoming the go-to programming language for blockchain developers. Part of it is because it’s easy for developers to learn and enables users to create secure applications with minimal friction. Also, Rust makes it extremely straightforward for developers to create accurate documentation. So, now that we’ve explored the Rust programming language in a little more detail, let’s take a look at some of the top blockchain projects using Rust.
Solana
When we think of blockchains that use the Rust programming language, many think of Solana. Conceptualized in 2017 by Anatoly Yakovenko and developed by Solana Labs and Solana Foundation, Solana is one of the fastest smart contract blockchains in the Web3 domain. Furthermore, the Solana mainnet launched in 2020 after intellectual property and 167 million native SOL tokens were transferred from Solana Labs to the newly created Solana Foundation.
The native SOL token powers the Solana ecosystem and is the medium of exchange used across the many decentralized applications built on the Solana blockchain. Also, the SOL token is essential for platform governance and enables holders to vote on proposals to make changes to the network.
Furthermore, the Solana blockchain has a throughput of over 60,000 transactions per second (TPS). Also, the average transaction fee on Solana is a fraction of a cent. As a result, this makes Solana well positioned to scale as demand grows. What’s more, Solana achieves this scalability without compromising on security or decentralization. Additionally, the Solana network can scale without needing layer-2 (L2) solutions like other prominent smart contract blockchains. Moreover, the Solana blockchain is the first of its kind to feature the novel proof-of-history (PoH) timestamping mechanism. This enables timestamping to occur before the “Tower” Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT) proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism for minimal latency.
Save our “Rust & Solana” article for later reading to learn more about building dapps on Solana using Rust! Additionally, check out our “Crypto Terminology” article to expand your Web3 vocabulary!
Polkadot
Polkadot is an interoperable smart contract blockchain ecosystem that aims to unite the Web3 landscape. It achieves cross-chain data transfers using innovative blockchains known as “parachains”, making it easy to interoperate with multiple blockchain networks. Also, Polkadot is highly scalable and secure. It is environmentally friendly thanks to the novel nominated proof-of-stake (NPoS) consensus mechanism. Plus, it has a low barrier to entry for developers.
Polkadot’s architecture includes the Relay chain, parachains, and parathreads. The Relay chain connects all chains and dapps on Polkadot. On the other hand, parachains are autonomous chains with their own rules and parameters that run parallel to the Relay chain. Parachains are sold at auction and require projects to bond the native DOT token. Additionally, parathreads serve as temporary hosts for dapps that do not require auctions or token bonding. The native DOT token is an essential component of the Polkadot ecosystem. It is the primary medium of exchange and unit of account for decentralized applications (dapps) built on Polkadot and parachain auctions. Plus, it plays a crucial role in its innovative governance mechanism. Also, Polkadot nodes can update autonomously without the need for forking, making it future-proof and community-driven.
Furthermore, the Polkadot ecosystem comprises a variety of public, private, and consortium chains, along with various decentralized oracles. The Polkadot team uses the Rust programming language, along with JavaScript, Go, and C++. Moreover, Polkadot is expected to increase transaction throughput as the network grows.
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Hyperledger Sawtooth
Hyperledger Sawtooth is an open-source, enterprise-ready blockchain solution for building, deploying, and running distributed ledgers. The platform provides a modular framework for creating bespoke blockchain networks and “implementing transaction-based updates to shared state between untrusted parties coordinated by consensus algorithms”.
Based in San Francisco, USA, the project uses the Rust programming language. However, the team built much of the initial architecture using the Python programming language. The reason for the switch was to provide developers with a greater degree of control and flexibility over their code. The team felt it could provide greater levels of strictness and highlight more potential errors by rewriting the codebase in Rust.
Elrond
Elrond is a fast and efficient “internet-scale” sharded blockchain network for smart contract developers and enterprises. It facilitates a variety of use cases to serve the Web3 community and other industries while offering high security and low transaction fees. Also, the Elrond blockchain is much faster than many legacy blockchain networks, with a throughput of around 15,000 TPS.
Furthermore, Elrond provides cross-chain interoperability and is designed to scale with ease. It achieves this using a novel sharding mechanism and validator structure. The native EGLD token is the primary asset used throughout the Elrond ecosystem. It is used to pay for gas fees when interacting with Elrond dapps. Plus, the EGLD token is an essential part of Elrond’s secure proof-of-stake (SPoS) consensus mechanism.
One of the benefits of SPoS over conventional PoS consensus mechanisms is its triple node architecture, which includes “Validators”, “Observers”, and “Fishermen”. Validators are the primary node type. They are required to stake EGLD tokens, validate transactions, and earn EGLD tokens in return. Second, Observers are passive nodes that read and rebroadcast data throughout the network. However, Observers are not required to stake EGLD tokens and do not earn rewards. Finally, Fishermen are nodes who can challenge block data after the validation process. These nodes earn rewards according to their ability to detect bad actors throughout the network.
Near Protocol
Near Protocol is a smart contract blockchain and community-driven data storage network. The platform uses a sharding mechanism to distribute blockchain data into localized segments to reduce bottlenecking, minimize transaction fees, and increase transaction throughput. Also, Near Protocol is among the fastest blockchain networks in existence, processing up to 100,000 TPS. This makes it well-equipped for scaling to meet the growing demand for Web3 technologies.
The native NEAR token allows holders to interact with dapps throughout the Near Protocol ecosystem and allows holders to participate in the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. What’s more, the platform uses human-readable wallet addresses (i.e., “user.near“) instead of long-string addresses. Accordingly, Near Protocol assists in the mass adoption of Web3 by removing barriers to entry.
Furthermore, the platform features an Ethereum bridge to enable users to swap assets between the two chains. Additionally, the platform features Aurora, the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible layer-2 scaling solution that allows developers to build and deploy smart contracts on Near with minimal fees while using common Ethereum tooling.
Top 5 Blockchains Using Rust Programming Language – Summary
The Rust programming language makes it easy for blockchain developers to build innovative applications regardless of their expertise. Beyond the top blockchain networks included in this article, implementations of the Ethereum and Cardano blockchain networks exist specifically for Rust developers. What’s more, Rust is the go-to programming language for several prominent tech companies outside of Web3. This includes Amazon Web Services (AWS), Dropbox, Mozilla, Meta (formerly Facebook), Cloudflare, Coursera, and Discord.
Furthermore, Rust lowers the barrier to entry for blockchain developers without compromising performance or security. It uses a straightforward modular framework that increases productivity, enhances team workflows, and facilitates frictionless collaboration. Plus, Rust saves users time by eliminating multiple bug classes. Nonetheless, there are a few potential flaws and limitations to consider before using Rust for the first time. For example, some may find that Rust is more “wordy” than other languages. Likewise, some developers may find Rust’s editor support to lack the complexity of other platforms and crash or slow down more often than its advanced counterparts.
Moralis Academy is the ultimate blockchain and Web3 education suite. If you want to learn how to develop smart contracts on Solana using Rust, check out our Solana Programming 101 course. Here, we teach students everything they need to know to start building dapps on the Solana blockchain.
Additionally, you can learn how to create decentralized versions of popular Web2 applications with the Moralis Web3 Workshop projects for free! So, take your programming game to the next level today with Moralis Academy! Also, see our “How to Invest During a Crypto Bear Market” and “Understanding Crypto Crashes” articles to learn how to safeguard your crypto assets during market downturns.
