Rust may be the new systems darling, but it turns out Java solved many of its hardest problems decades ago. In this lighthearted yet practical talk, we’ll explore the top things Rust could learn from Java’s maturity: predictable tooling, stable ecosystems, battle-tested observability, and a developer experience that doesn’t require deciphering obscure compiler riddles. Along the way, we’ll also look at a few places where Java could borrow ideas back from Rust’s approach to safety and modern design. Whether you’re a lifelong Java developer or simply Rust-curious, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for both languages - and a clearer sense of how their philosophies shape the systems we build today.

Session Speakers

Scott Gerring

Senior Technical Advocate @ Datadog