Microsoft is taking a bold step towards a future without C and C++ by setting an ambitious target for 2030. The tech giant aims to eliminate all code written in these older languages within the next decade. This initiative, spearheaded by Distinguished Engineer Galen Hunt, envisions a massive overhaul of code bases using AI and automated algorithms to transition them to Rust—a modern programming language known for its memory safety.
The slogan encapsulating this goal is striking: "one engineer, one month, one million lines of code." But what does this really mean? Essentially, Microsoft is on a mission to tackle its technical debt—an industry term that refers to the costs associated with choosing an easy solution now instead of using a better approach that would take longer. For Microsoft, this debt predominantly consists of legacy code written in C and its derivatives like C++. The company’s desire to migrate away from these languages stems from a broader aim to mitigate a specific type of vulnerability: those related to memory management bugs.
Experts worldwide have long been advocating for tech companies to prioritize memory safety in their development practices. In fact, studies show that approximately 70% of vulnerabilities found in Microsoft products are tied to memory-related issues. This is where Rust enters the picture, as it offers robust memory safety features that significantly reduce the risk of such vulnerabilities.
To facilitate this transition, Microsoft has developed a sophisticated infrastructure that integrates AI agents with algorithmic analysis. This system is already operational, addressing challenges such as understanding existing code, as highlighted by Hunt on LinkedIn.
A Growing Urgency for Memory Safety
This strategic shift didn’t emerge without reason; it’s not merely a reaction to outside pressure from cybersecurity experts. Earlier in 2023, Microsoft declared its commitment to rewriting portions of the Windows kernel in Rust after Azure’s Chief Technology Officer, Mark Russinovich, mandated that no new projects be initiated in C or C++. "Microsoft is going all-in on Rust," stated Russinovich, marking a decisive turn towards this memory-safe programming language.
The motivation behind this transition is crystal clear: a staggering number of security flaws in legacy C and C++ code can be directly traced back to memory errors. Rust effectively addresses these issues by incorporating memory safety mechanisms without compromising performance. While it is still possible to encounter memory leaks in Rust if certain functionalities are bypassed, the difficulty of doing so is significantly greater compared to C and C++. When utilized correctly, Rust provides a much safer environment for programming.
Russinovich has also mentioned that Microsoft is advancing efforts to automate the translation of C and C++ code into Rust through the use of large language models (LLMs). Hunt's recent LinkedIn post serves as a concrete follow-up to this initiative, as he is currently seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help bring this vision to life.
Seeking Rust Experts
The job posting for this role comes with specific requirements: candidates should ideally possess at least three years of experience in writing systems-level code in Rust. Experience in compiler design, database management, or operating system implementation is highly valued. While having a background in compiler technology is not strictly necessary, the selected individual must be willing to develop that expertise as part of the team.
Hunt's refactoring team falls under the umbrella of the Future of Scalable Software Engineering group within Microsoft CoreAI’s Engineering Horizons organization. Their mission is to build capabilities that empower both Microsoft and its clients to systematically eradicate technical debt on a large scale. The team collaborates with internal stakeholders and partners to create new tools and methodologies, which are then deployed across Microsoft and the wider industry.
A Global Trend Towards Rust
Microsoft's pivot to Rust is part of a larger trend observed among tech companies around the globe. According to JetBrains, about 2.3 million developers are now utilizing the Rust programming language, with approximately 709,000 considering it their primary language. In enterprise settings, Rust adoption has surged by an impressive 68.75%. Within the realm of systems programming, its market share increased from 1.05% in 2024 to 1.47% in 2025, representing a remarkable 40% growth. While Rust may be seen as more complex than languages like Python, it is designed as a low-level language intended for critical systems such as kernels, IoT devices, and system drivers, striking a balance between performance and safety.
Major companies such as Google, Amazon, Dropbox, and Cloudflare have already integrated Rust into their core infrastructure. Google even pledged $1 million to the Rust Foundation to enhance interoperability between Rust and C++. However, this blend of new and old technologies is not without its complications, especially in projects like the Linux kernel, where seasoned developers accustomed to C and C++ may be resistant to adopting Rust. Additionally, the Rust project itself faces various challenges, underscoring the need for a stable foundation as tech giants increasingly embrace this programming language.
What are your thoughts on Microsoft's decision to phase out C and C++? Do you believe Rust is the future of programming, or do you think this move could lead to unforeseen complications? Share your views in the comments below!
