Successfully introducing Rust into your team

Introducing a new programming language like Rust to an existing team can be a challenging task. However, the transition can be successfully managed with an implementation strategy tailored to your team size and project complexity. In this blog post, we explain how you can successfully prepare your team for the transition to Rust by relying on motivated individuals, developing a clear roadmap and continuously sharing knowledge.

Rust pilot team of motivated individuals

A fundamental concept for the introduction of Rust is the formation of a pilot team of motivated individuals. This is based on Principle #5 of the Agile Manifesto:

“Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.”

This pilot team acts as the nucleus for Rust expertise within your organisation. The initial group can be small – more important than the size is the enthusiasm and willingness of the participants to learn. Over time, the team can grow organically by integrating additional members. As soon as the team reaches a certain size, it is recommended to split it into two new teams. Each of the two teams can then act as a multiplier and apply their expertise to different Rust project areas.

Introducing Rust: a clear roadmap provides orientation

The transition to Rust essentially means that together with your pilot team you develop a roadmap that defines specific milestones, realistic timelines and clear roles. The roadmap should include the following elements:

• Defined learning phases with appropriate time windows
• Identification of suitable pilot projects
• Governance structures for Rust-related decisions
• CI/CD strategies for integrating Rust code
• Metrics for measuring the success of the transition

A clearly communicated roadmap provides orientation for all those involved and makes progress visible. It also helps to inform stakeholders about the course of the transition and to ensure their support.

Preparing for Rust: training and knowledge sharing

Comprehensive training is essential to prepare the team for Rust. This should include both a Rust introductory course and a Rust transfer course. The introductory course teaches the basics of the language, especially the Rust ownership and borrowing model. This enables participants to work on production code – under supervision if necessary. Because team members often have diverse technical backgrounds, transfer courses have to be tailored to their knowledge and objectives. These courses involve transferring patterns from traditional languages like C++ or C# to Rust and developing and implementing alternative solution approaches.

In addition to training, knowledge-sharing channels are created, such as Slack channels or communities. These platforms promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge and support the continuous development of skills within the team.

Rust pilot projects and continuous improvement

An important step in the Rust transition is to identify a pilot project or pilot sub-project. This pilot project serves as a testing ground and learning environment for new technologies and methods. The project is implemented initially by the pilot team. Close collaboration promotes knowledge sharing. Enabling conditions such as a structured backlog, clear requirements and ambitious prioritisation support and empower the team in its work. The key objectives include:

• Continuously improve skills: Team members should continuously develop their skills.
• Identify and apply patterns: It is important to identify patterns for how business processes can be replicated in Rust.
• Establish knowledge about interdisciplinary architectural issues: Solutions to architectural questions should be developed and documented.
• Knowledge dissemination: The acquired knowledge is recorded and structured and disseminated using appropriate architectural documentation.

These measures ensure that the team not only expands its technical knowledge of Rust, but also gains valuable experience and best practices for future projects.

Support from Rust experts

Support from experienced coaches and experts is an essential part of the Rust Transition Service. Senior consultants, software architects and Rust experts contribute their experience and knowledge to facilitate the transition and support the team with questions and challenges. This support can take the form of workshops, project collaboration or individual coaching.

After implementing Rust: adapting the HR career path

The introduction of Rust logically requires changes to the HR career path. It must be clarified how the new Rust skills can be integrated into existing career paths and what impact this will have on the career development of team members. These adjustments should be made early on in the transition phase, so that team members have clear expectations.

Conclusion: Rust transition only with planning

Transitioning a team to the Rust programming language requires careful planning and implementation. The transition can be successfully mastered by forming a motivated pilot team, developing a clear roadmap, providing appropriate training and drawing on expert support. With a suitable approach and the right resources, the team will be able to use Rust to develop productive software and utilise the advantages of this modern programming language.

Contact our experts and discuss migration to Rust for your specific product.