The Rust-for-Linux project aims to incorporate smart pointers into the Linux kernel memory model. Xiangfei Ding showcased how custom smart pointers can mimic built-in smart pointers’ “superpowers,” such as unsizing and dynamic dispatch, through special Rust compiler features. An experimental CoerceUnsized feature allows for dynamic array bounds checking, while DispatchFromDyn enables efficient dynamic dispatch. These features aim to be stabilized for Linux kernel use without compromising safety. However, implementing these features incorrectly could jeopardize Rust’s memory guarantees, especially for Pin types. A new macro simplifies implementing necessary traits for smart pointers, ensuring safe and efficient Rust code. Ding is working on stabilizing these features and providing additional documentation for developers.
https://lwn.net/Articles/992055/