Not-So-Bitter Pill to Swallow: Slipstreaming Memory Safe Programming via Rust as part of a Database Systems Course

In this paper, we present our experience integrating Rust, a memory-safe systems programming language, into an introductory database systems course project. Our findings indicate that while Rust's steep learning curve posed initial challenges, it significantly enhanced students' understanding of memory safety and systems programming concepts. We also discuss the outcomes of the course, which has now been taught to over 500 students over five separate offerings. While student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, we provide insights for educators considering Rust for similar systems-oriented elective CS courses.