Seems like an interesting effort. A developer is building an alternative Java-based backend to Lemmy's Rust-based one, with the goal of building in a handful of different features. The dev is looking at using this compatibility to migrate their instance over to the new platform, while allowing the community to use their apps of choice.

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[–] deegeese@sopuli.xyz 86 points 10 months ago (16 children)

I have a hard time believing that rewriting the backend from scratch would be faster than getting PRs approved on the main project.

Forks like this with one guy who "knows best" usually die a slow quiet death as they get left behind by the main project.

[+] skullgiver@popplesburger.hilciferous.nl 23 points 10 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (2 children)

[deleted]

[–] deegeese@sopuli.xyz 20 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I’m a Java developer and I would much rather pick up Rust to join an active project than try to rebuild something that already works using a less-marketable language.

[–] sik0fewl@kbin.social 14 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Sure, but it’s a lot more work for you to get to a point where you can be an active contributor.

[–] deegeese@sopuli.xyz -1 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (3 children)

Is it really a lot of work for an experienced dev? I can pick up most new languages in a day or 2 unless it's a total paradigm shift.

[–] sik0fewl@kbin.social 20 points 10 months ago

1-2 days is enough to learn the basics, but I doubt you’ll be as nearly as productive as with something you’ve been using for years. Keep in mind that new languages also mean new frameworks, etc, some which take years to actually master, but at least months to get a good handle on them.

Also, from my understanding, Rust is a bit of a paradigm shift.

[–] Carighan@lemmy.world 9 points 10 months ago

Yeah but there's a big difference between having "picked up" a new language and being on the level where you can viably add useful code to a distributed federated deployed platform.

I have 12 years in Java by now, I'm fairly confident with it. Rust, yeah no, not for production code.

[–] magic_lobster_party@kbin.social 1 points 10 months ago

Sure, anyone can pick up a new language or two over a weekend. That doesn’t mean they are confident enough to contribute to large scale programs with it. That takes much longer to learn.

[–] kaffiene@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago

Yeah I agree. Rust is an excellent language when you absolutely must be as safe as possible but don't want garbage collection. But there is a level of precision required of developers which makes it slower to development in. Other languages like Java, Python and Go are all quicker to develop in. Java is much easier to refactor IMO

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