Rust Will Explode, SBOMs Will Be Duds: Open Source Predictions  Full Document Contents/Articles/Rust Will Explode, SBOMs Will Be Duds Open Source Predictions.md, Rust Will Explode, SBOMs Will Be Duds: Open Source Predictions, Dan Lorenc. > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: > - #Rust > - #SBOMs > - #OpenSource > Author: [The New Stack] > Source: [The New Stack] > Reference: [Rust Will Explode, SBOMs Will Be Duds: Open Source Predictions](https://thenewstack.io/rust-will-explode-sboms-will-be-duds-open-source-predictions/) > date created: {{date:2024-12-28}} {{time:08:00}} > > # Title: Rust Will Explode, SBOMs Will Be Duds: Open Source Predictions > <!-- deep-read:sections start --> ## Table of Contents: - 📝 [Summary](#summary) - 📖 [Main Content](#main-content) - 🗒️ [Notes](#notes) - 📖 [References](#references) - 🗣️ [Paraphrase](#paraphrase) - 📰 [Newsletter](#newsletter) - ✅ [Action Items](#action-items) - 🧪 [Hypotheses](#hypotheses) - 📊 [Methodology](#methodology) - ❓ [Questions](#questions) - 🔮 [Future Research](#future-research) - 💡 [Implications](#implications) - 🧠 [Learning Styles Assessment](#learning-styles-assessment) - 📊 [Accessibility Assessment](#accessibility-assessment) - 🌍 [DEIB Assessment](#deib-assessment) - ✅ [Logical validity](#logical-validity) - 🔍 [DARVO Analysis](#darvo-analysis) - 🔍 [SEO Evaluation](#seo-evaluation) - 🎯 [Conclusion](#conclusion) ### References: - [The New Stack article on Rust and SBOMs predictions](https://thenewstack.io/rust-will-explode-sboms-will-be-duds-open-source-predictions/) ## 📝 Summary: The article predicts the growing impact of Rust in the open-source space, forecasting its continued rise in popularity due to its efficiency and security advantages. At the same time, it casts doubt on the widespread adoption of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs), suggesting they may fail to meet expectations. The discussion touches on broader trends in open-source software, emphasizing the changing landscape for developers and businesses. ## 📖 Main Content: The author presents bold predictions about the open-source ecosystem in the coming years. Rust is expected to gain significant traction due to its focus on memory safety and performance, which are highly valued in the current software landscape. The article contrasts this with the less optimistic outlook for SBOMs, which were introduced to address security vulnerabilities but may fall short due to practical challenges. This divide reflects the complexities of navigating modern open-source development, where promises often clash with real-world implementation. ### 🗒️ Notes: - **Rust’s rise**: Rust is praised for its performance and safety features, which are crucial for high-performance applications and security-critical systems. - **SBOMs skepticism**: Despite their potential to improve security, SBOMs are predicted to face resistance due to implementation difficulties and lack of universal adoption. - **Security and performance**: The focus on Rust reflects an increasing demand for secure, high-performance applications in industries like cybersecurity and software engineering. - **Open-source predictions**: The article explores the tension between the promise of new technologies and their real-world limitations. ## 📖 References: - [The New Stack article on Rust and SBOMs predictions](https://thenewstack.io/rust-will-explode-sboms-will-be-duds-open-source-predictions/) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase: 1. **Original**: "Rust’s focus on memory safety and performance has made it a go-to language for systems-level programming, and its popularity is expected to continue growing." - **Paraphrased**: "With its emphasis on memory safety and performance, Rust has become a preferred language for system programming, and its adoption is anticipated to rise." 2. **Original**: "The promise of SBOMs is significant, but without proper implementation and buy-in, they may fail to achieve their intended impact." - **Paraphrased**: "Although SBOMs hold great promise, their success hinges on effective implementation and widespread support, both of which remain uncertain." ## 📰 Newsletter: In this issue, we’re diving into the growing buzz around Rust and its potential to revolutionize the open-source world. With its focus on memory safety and high performance, Rust is positioning itself as the next big language for system-level programming. On the flip side, we take a critical look at Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs), which may not live up to their security promises. Read on to explore the future of Rust, SBOMs, and what’s next for open-source developers! ## ✅ Action Items: - Explore the current adoption trends of Rust within the open-source community and compare it with other programming languages. - Assess the impact of SBOMs on current software development practices and consider potential improvements to address their shortcomings. - Promote the use of Rust as a secure and efficient language for performance-critical applications, particularly in open-source projects. ## 🧪 Hypotheses: 1. Rust's adoption will increase as more industries prioritize security and performance in their development processes. 2. The initial enthusiasm for SBOMs will diminish as challenges with implementation and scalability arise. ### 📊 Methodology: To test these hypotheses, we could gather adoption data from development communities, conduct surveys to understand industry preferences, and track performance metrics of applications built using Rust. Analyzing implementation challenges of SBOMs through case studies could also provide insights into their future trajectory. ### ❓ Questions: 1. How do developers perceive the trade-offs between Rust and other languages like C++ or Go in terms of performance and security? 2. What practical hurdles do developers face when implementing SBOMs in real-world applications? 3. Can Rust become the dominant language in industries where performance and security are paramount? ### 🔮 Future Research: - Investigate the evolution of Rust’s role in different sectors, particularly in cybersecurity and systems programming. - Study the future of SBOMs in the context of emerging security threats and the development of alternative solutions. ### 💡 Implications: If Rust continues to grow, it could redefine the standards for secure and efficient programming, particularly in fields where performance is critical. On the other hand, if SBOMs fail to live up to expectations, developers may need to explore alternative solutions for tracking vulnerabilities and ensuring software security. ## 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment: **Reading Level**: The article is written at a technical level that is most suitable for intermediate to advanced developers. 1. **Visual Learners (Spatial)**: - **Present**: The article does not include any diagrams or visuals. - **Improve**: Incorporating infographics or flowcharts that compare Rust with other programming languages could aid visual learners in understanding key differences. 2. **Aural Learners (Auditory-Musical)**: - **Present**: There is no auditory content in the article. - **Improve**: Adding a podcast or a video explaining the rise of Rust and the challenges of SBOMs could provide an auditory option. 3. **Verbal Learners (Linguistic)**: - **Present**: The language is rich in description and examples, making it suitable for verbal learners. - **Improve**: Offering additional readings or expanding on analogies could further engage verbal learners. 4. **Physical Learners (Kinesthetic)**: - **Present**: The article does not include interactive components. - **Improve**: Including a tutorial on using Rust in real-world applications would allow kinesthetic learners to engage with the material directly. 5. **Logical Learners (Mathematical)**: - **Present**: The article offers logical explanations of why Rust is gaining traction. - **Improve**: A deeper analysis of performance benchmarks could appeal to logical learners. 6. **Social Learners (Interpersonal)**: - **Present**: The article does not directly promote discussion. - **Improve**: Including links to community forums or group discussions about Rust and SBOMs could foster social learning. 7. **Solitary Learners (Intrapersonal)**: - **Present**: The article encourages personal reflection on the future of programming languages. - **Improve**: A set of journaling prompts or self-assessment questions could further engage solitary learners. 8. **Naturalistic Learners**: - **Present**: There is no reference to nature or sustainability in the article. - **Improve**: Adding case studies involving eco-friendly tech applications could engage naturalistic learners. ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment: - **Screen Reader Compatibility**: The article should be compatible with screen readers, assuming proper use of HTML and alt-text. - **Improve**: Ensure all images, if added, include descriptive alt-text. - **Keyboard Navigation**: The article is likely navigable by keyboard. - **Improve**: More interactive elements should be optimized for keyboard navigation. - **Contrast and Readability**: The text is clear, but ensuring high contrast with the background would improve readability. - **Improve**: Consider using more accessible fonts and ensuring that users can adjust text sizes. ### 🌍 DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Assessment: - **Cultural Relevance**: The article does not explicitly mention diverse perspectives or examples. - **Improve**: Including case studies from diverse communities that have adopted Rust would add cultural relevance. - **Inclusive Language**: The language used is gender-neutral and inclusive. - **Improve**: Adding definitions for technical terms would make the content more accessible to non-native speakers. ### ✅ Logical validity: - **Sound Deductive Reasoning**: The reasoning about Rust's future is sound, as it draws on current trends in programming languages and security. - **Appeal to Facts/Evidence**: The article supports its claims with logical reasoning, although more statistical evidence would enhance the argument. ### 🔍 DARVO Analysis: - **Deny**: There are no explicit denials of allegations. - **Attack**: The article does not attack other programming languages or technologies. - **Reverse Victim and Offender**: No attempt is made to reverse the roles of the victim and offender. ### 🔍 SEO Evaluation: 1. **Keywords**: Keywords like "Rust," "SBOMs," and "open source" are present. 2. **Meta Description**: The meta description is concise and likely includes relevant keywords. 3. **Title Tag**: The title is optimized for search engines and includes the primary keyword. ## 🎯 Conclusion: The article provides valuable insights into the future of Rust and SBOMs within the open-source community. With its focus on memory safety and high performance, Rust is poised to revolutionize the software industry, while SBOMs face practical challenges that may prevent widespread adoption. Both technologies will likely shape the future of open-source development, but their paths forward will depend on addressing key implementation hurdles and securing broader support. <!-- deep-read:sections end --> ## Highlights - **SBOMs will continue to be stuck in regulatory limbo.** [Software bills of materials (SBOMs)](https://thenewstack.io/a-good-sbom-is-hard-to-find/) continue to be a hot topic in cybersecurity policy, but their real-world impact remains limited. Despite regulatory pushes, SBOMs often feel like checkbox compliance exercises that add little value to actual vulnerability management. Unless the U.S. government and other stakeholders shift their focus to more impactful initiatives, SBOMs are unlikely to see any significant adoption in 2025. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jg6znw614t20bd10yeyyzs9p)) - **Fair source will be a non-starter for open source communities.** The fair source licensing model, which imposes restrictions on commercial use, might gain traction among companies transitioning away from traditional open source. However, it’s unlikely to foster meaningful community engagement or adoption by major projects. Fair source simply doesn’t align with the ethos of open source, and I don’t see it gaining significant momentum in 2025. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jg6zpa2rfzq3ac6pq97aynx8)) - **Server-side Wasm is overengineered and overhyped.** While [WebAssembly (Wasm)](https://thenewstack.io/webassembly/) shows promise for browser-based and plugin use cases, [its adoption](https://thenewstack.io/webassembly-adoption-is-slow-and-steady-winning-the-race/) on the server side remains lackluster. The [objections](https://www.assemblyscript.org/standards-objections.html) to WASI’s component model and governance issues within the [Bytecode Alliance](https://bytecodealliance.org/) have stymied progress. Containers and serverless platforms remain the go-to choices for most developers, and I don’t see server-side Wasm achieving critical mass in 2025. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jg6zpgap42cdc5jtgtt7qr28)) - What else will this year hold? Well, no one should be surprised when we experience another [xz utils-style security incident](https://thenewstack.io/unzipping-the-xz-backdoor-and-its-lessons-for-open-source/). The [discovery of vulnerabilities](https://thenewstack.io/the-xz-hack-reveals-a-looming-8-8-trillion-infrastructure-disaster-hidden-in-plain-sight/) in widely used utilities like xz utils reminded us of the risks inherent in open source. Unfortunately, similar incidents are almost inevitable as the attack surface of open source projects continues to grow. That’s why this year, companies will continue to invest in [software supply chain security](https://thenewstack.io/microsofts-it-outage-reminder-rust-is-better-than-c-c/). ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jg6zpsyr3h68j34j0s0hkznf))