Systems Programming and Advanced Topics

📖 Learning Objectives

Understand Rust's systems-level programming features, learn to use unsafe code, the macro system, performance optimization techniques, and grasp low-level programming concepts.

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🎯 Systems-Level Programming Comparison

JavaScript's High-Level Abstraction

JavaScript runs in a virtual machine, providing high-level abstractions:

Rust's Systems-Level Programming

Rust provides direct memory control and system-level access:

Systems Programming Differences

1. Memory Management: Rust allows manual memory management with unsafe, while JavaScript has automatic garbage collection.
2. Pointers: Rust has real pointers, while JavaScript does not.
3. Performance: Rust offers fine-grained control over performance, while JavaScript's performance is managed by its engine.
4. Safety: Rust's unsafe block allows bypassing safety checks, requiring careful handling.

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🔧 The Macro System

Procedural vs. Declarative Macros

Key Concepts of Macros

1. Code Generation: Macros write code at compile time, reducing boilerplate.
2. Declarative Macros: Use macro_rules! for simple pattern-based macros.
3. Procedural Macros: More powerful macros for custom derives, attributes, and function-like macros.
4. Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs): Macros can be used to create embedded DSLs.

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⚡ Performance Optimization

Benchmarking and Profiling

Optimization Techniques

1. Benchmarking: Use tools like Criterion to measure performance.
2. Profiling: Use tools like perf to identify performance bottlenecks.
3. Release Mode: Always compile with --release for production builds.
4. Zero-Cost Abstractions: Use high-level features like iterators, which are compiled to efficient code.
5. Data Structures: Choose the right data structures for the job.