Microsoft confirms "eliminate C and C++" plan, translate code to Rust using AI (www.windowslatest.com)

Microsoft has announced an ambitious plan to eliminate all C and C++ code from its products, including Windows 11, by 2030, leveraging AI to facilitate the translation into Rust. This initiative, spearheaded by a dedicated team, aims to enhance code safety and reliability by moving away from the complexities often associated with C and C++ programming. Galen Hunt, a Distinguished Engineer at Microsoft, emphasized the goal of translating one million lines of code per engineer each month, showcasing a highly scalable approach to software engineering. The significance of this shift lies in Microsoft’s long-term strategy to modernize its codebase and reduce dependency on older, error-prone languages. By developing sophisticated AI agents and infrastructure to process and rewrite code at scale, Microsoft believes it can overcome potential challenges related to intent and functionality that may arise during translation, a concern highlighted by past issues in Windows updates. This pivot towards Rust, accompanied by existing tools and repositories that support Rust development, signals a serious commitment to not only enhancing existing applications but also to nurturing a safer programming environment in future Microsoft products.