Rust interviews focus on ownership, borrowing, lifetimes, traits, error handling, and when to pick Rust over other stacks. Be ready to explain trade-offs with Java GC and C++ manual memory.
Must-know topics
- Ownership, move, Copy, borrow rules
- Option/Result and ? operator
- Traits, generics, Send/Sync overview
- Smart pointers: Box, Rc, Arc basics
- Cargo, testing, unsafe as a concept
Important interview questions and answers
- Q: Explain ownership in 30 seconds.
A: Each value has one owner; scope ends drop memory; borrows allow temporary access under compile-time rules preventing data races and use-after-free. - Q: When not use Rust?
A: Fast prototyping, teams without systems experience, or ecosystems where Python/JS dominate and native speed is unnecessary.
Self-check
- List three Rust topics you will review before interviews.
- How does Rust error model differ from Java exceptions?
Interview prep
- Must-know Rust interview topics?
Ownership, borrowing, lifetimes basics, Option/Result, traits, generics, Send/Sync overview, Cargo, and when to choose Rust vs Go/Java/C++.