# Kernel developers debate rewriting XArray in Rust for XFS

> **Key takeaway:** Daniel Gomez proposed rewriting the XArray data structure in Rust to improve security and performance for XFS, but kernel developers expressed caution at Kangrejos 2026.

**Published:** 2026-10-20T15:46:37+00:00 
**Source:** Linux Weekly News (LWN.net) 
**Category:** kernel-os 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/kernel-developers-debate-rewriting-xarray-in-rust-for-xfs.html 

## Summary
At Kangrejos 2026, Daniel Gomez led a discussion on converting XArray—used by XFS—to Rust. The motivation stems from difficulties in supporting block sizes larger than page size on XFS, compounded by stable-kernel users not testing new XFS code early. Gomez cited potential security and performance gains, though other kernel developers raised concerns about the rewrite.

## Why XArray and why Rust
- XArray is a radix-tree-like data structure used by XFS and other kernel subsystems for indexing
- XFS development is hampered by stable-kernel users who do not test new code until it reaches long-term releases
- Gomez argues Rust's memory safety could reduce bugs in this critical data structure
- Performance improvements were also cited as a potential benefit
- Other kernel developers raised unspecified concerns about replacing the existing C implementation

## Why it matters
A Rust-based XArray would be a significant test case for Rust in the Linux kernel beyond drivers, potentially paving the way for more core data structure rewrites if successful.