Why I’m Learning Rust in 2024 (and new dev environment)

11/25/24 •

Summaries by topic

• English

The speaker plans to learn the Rust programming language in preparation for Advent of Code and is concurrently updating their development environment. This includes switching to a Linux-based operating system, potentially NYX OS, on a new Mini PC and experimenting with Vim and Neovim text editors as well as a smaller, ergonomic keyboard.

Learning Rust

• 00:00:00 The speaker is learning Rust primarily to participate in Advent of Code, a popular programming challenge. While Rust is also a popular language for job opportunities, the speaker's primary motivation is personal learning and improvement. They intend to spend a week on foundational learning, using resources like 'The Rust Book' and 'Rust by Example', before applying the knowledge in Advent of Code.

New Development Environment

• 00:06:40 The speaker is transitioning to Linux for their development environment, potentially using NYX OS on a new Mini PC. They plan to use a capture card to record their Linux coding sessions while still utilizing Windows for video editing and other tasks. The dual-PC setup allows for a dedicated Linux development environment while retaining access to Windows applications.

Vim/Neovim

• 00:11:18 The speaker is exploring a shift to Vim and Neovim as their primary code editors, starting with learning Vim motions within VS Code. They are inspired by other developers who demonstrate increased coding efficiency with these editors. The speaker intends to transition to Neovim for a more refined experience after gaining a foundational understanding of Vim motions and exploring various plugins.

Ergonomic Keyboard

• 00:13:16 The speaker is experimenting with a 40% keyboard for improved ergonomics and coding efficiency, influenced by other developers. While initially hesitant about split keyboards, the speaker found the smaller form factor appealing. The speaker will explore different keyboard layouts and layer functionalities within the 40% keyboard to achieve optimal workflow.