For years, Python developers have struggled to balance code readability with high-performance requirements. However, with the rise of Rust, a new co-pilot has emerged to tackle this challenge. According to the JetBrains State of Python 2025 report, Rust usage for Python binary extensions has increased by 22% in just one year, marking a significant shift in performance optimization.
Rust’s key advantages include delivering C-level performance while maintaining Python’s ease of integration. Its zero-cost abstractions and efficient memory management make it ideal for performance-critical components. Additionally, Rust provides memory safety features that prevent common programming errors like buffer overflows and memory leaks at compile time, ensuring a safer extension process.
Several high-profile success stories in the Python ecosystem showcase Rust’s capabilities. Polars, Pydantic V2, and FastAPI have all seen significant improvements with Rust-based components, demonstrating its potential for performance gains. Moreover, new tooling like ty and Pyrefly are emerging as next-generation type checkers, backed by Rust’s language server protocols.
For enterprises, Rust-enhanced Python delivers tangible benefits, including cost savings from reduced cloud compute costs, lower memory usage, and faster response times. As Talk Python founder Michael Kennedy advises, learning basic Rust skills can complement Python development and provide a better understanding of performance-critical libraries. By embracing Rust-enhanced libraries and considering Rust for extensions, developers can tap into this hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds.
Source: https://thenewstack.io/rust-pythons-new-performance-engine