Comparing Learning Experiences: Go vs Rust

Learning about Go can feel like Formula 1 racing, while Rust resembles a marathon. So, what's the catch? I believe anyone eager to learn should not limit themselves to one language, but rather explore both. Here’s why.

The Rust Experience

Imagine you are learning Rust. In the initial days, you might feel that the learning curve is very steep, which can be daunting. The Rust compiler acts like a strict father who wants to make you responsible for every step you take, while still providing a layer of safety. This rigorous approach means that for building fast backends, microservices, or any networking application, Rust might seem like overkill due to the verbosity of the code. Meanwhile, Go offers the ability to achieve these tasks with sheer speed, thanks to a robust ecosystem designed for rapid development.

Job Market Considerations

When examining the job market, you'll find that the overall demand for Rust, even in freelancing, is less compared to Go. What's more, there are scarcely any positions for junior or entry-level Rust developers; you're expected to have substantial experience and several Rust projects under your belt before you can secure a job.

The Go Experience

Now, let's consider learning Go. What’s the problem with focusing solely on Go? It's straightforward – "easy peasy lemon squeezy." The Go compiler acts as a loving and humble mother, encouraging you to focus solely on your goals while it handles the rest. Go boasts a higher demand than Rust, and you can become proficient and delve deep into it within a few days. However, by not learning Rust, you’re missing out on its burgeoning ecosystem, which is predicted to flourish in the future. Knowing Rust is always a plus point, as it deepens your understanding of how modern software works.

Catering to Different Preferences

Each language caters to different preferences:

• If you love building products quickly, choose Go. It's ideal for those who want to develop swiftly and see immediate results.
• If you're passionate about constructing products you can swear by, can afford to invest more time, or simply want to appear cool, choose Rust. It offers a sense of mastery and depth, appealing to those who value robustness and detail in their work.

Conclusion

Both technologies have their pros and cons. If you want to move fast, choose Go. If you prefer to prioritize safety, depth, and responsibility, opt for Rust.