Are We Chasing Language Hype Over Solving Real Problems? Author: Dayvi Schuster Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025 Reading Time: 7 min --- Introduction The article discusses the recent controversy around Ubuntu’s decision to rewrite GNU Core Utils in Rust, exploring whether this trend of adopting new programming languages is driven by genuine problem-solving or the allure of novelty. It questions the need to replace well-established, reliable tools purely for the sake of using a new language. --- The Hype of New Languages and "Shiny Object Syndrome" Developers often get excited about new languages and frameworks promising to make life easier. "Shiny object syndrome" leads to chasing trends without assessing if they solve real problems. New languages are attractive due to fresh features, improved paradigms, potential solutions to issues like concurrency and memory safety, and vibrant new communities. Such enthusiasm can lead to rewriting existing stable software unnecessarily. The author believes developers rewriting coreutils in Rust have good intentions but questions the actual need. --- Why New Languages Excite Us They bring new syntax, paradigms, problem-solving approaches. Inspire creativity and innovation. Foster communities with fresh ideas. Can trigger "language evangelism" where rewriting becomes a way to promote a favorite language regardless of necessity. --- The Case of GNU Core Utils GNU Core Utils are essential, battle-tested Unix-like system utilities (e.g., ls, cp, mv, rm, cat). Highly optimized over 30+ years for performance and security. A new Rust rewrite is unlikely to surpass original performance; typically, Rust matches C at best and often runs slower. Raises the question: what is the practical benefit or problem solved by this rewrite? --- When Hype Overshadows Real Problems Developers prefer creating new projects or adopting shiny new technologies over maintaining existing ones. This natural tendency can lead to solving non-existent problems. Author acknowledges this temptation but warns against letting it drive development decisions unjustifiably. --- It’s Not Just About Core Utils The issue is broader: tech community often chases new languages/frameworks prematurely. This pattern appears widely in areas from systems programming to web development. --- Problem-Solving as Our North Star Software development should focus 60% on problem-solving, 40% on creative exploration. Currently, industry rewards novelty and hype over necessity and impact. Examples of trends that created new problems despite promises: React Server Components reverting to mixing logic and UI. GraphQL replacing REST but introducing complexity. Microservices and microfrontends causing fragmentation. Innovation is vital, but adoption must be justified by real problem-solving, not hype. --- A Final Thought The focus should not be on Rust, React, GraphQL, or microservices as buzzwords. It is about solving actual problems for users and systems. Progress is measured by impact, not how many new languages or rewrites occur. Before adopting new technologies, ask: "Am I solving a real problem or chasing excitement?" Engineering is about what works and makes a difference — that craft needs sharpening. --- Summary This article challenges the tech community to critically assess whether embracing new programming languages and rewriting established software truly addresses meaningful problems or merely chases novelty. Using the example of Ubuntu’s Rust rewrite of GNU Core Utils, it urges developers to prioritize impactful problem-solving over hype, advocating thoughtful adoption of innovation that genuinely improves systems and workflows.