Rust is a modern systems programming language known for its safety, performance, and concurrency. If you're new to Rust, here are some excellent resources to get you started:

1. The Rust Book: https://doc.rust-lang.org/book/

   The official Rust book is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the basics to advanced topics. It's well-structured, easy to follow, and has interactive exercises to reinforce learning.

2. Exercism: https://exercism.org/

   Exercism is a platform that provides coding challenges in various languages, including Rust. You can solve problems, get feedback from mentors, and improve your skills in a collaborative environment.

3. Rustlings: https://github.com/rust-lang/rustlings

   Rustlings is a collection of small exercises to help you get familiar with the Rust language. It's a great way to practice and solidify your understanding of Rust concepts.

4. Rust by Example: https://doc.rust-lang.org/rust-by-example/

   This website provides concise examples of various Rust features, making it a valuable resource for quick reference and learning through practical examples.

5. The Rust Community: https://www.rust-lang.org/community

   The Rust community is friendly and supportive. Engage with other Rustaceans on forums, Discord channels, and online communities to ask questions, share knowledge, and learn together.

6. Memory Safety in Rust: https://blog.adacore.com/memory-safety-in-rust

   A good article on the strengths of Rust with memory safety using the compiler feature known as the borrow checker.

7. Learn Rust for Complete Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpPEoZW5IiY

   A thirteen hour course for beginners, learn about the core concepts of the language and underlying mechanisms in theory.

8. Rust 101 Crash Course: Learn Rust (6 HOURS!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzKeecy4OmQ

   Another good youtube course for learning rust. Worth a look!

9. The Rust Bookshelf: https://bookshelf.rs/

   Well worth checking out! A library of free resources for learning Rust

Rust - Info and tutorials on smart contract development for Solana, Near Protocol et al

Rust has been gaining popularity in blockchain development, particularly for smart contracts, due to its focus on safety, concurrency, and performance. Here are some prominent blockchain platforms that support Rust for smart contract development:

1. Solana:

   • Solana is one of the most notable blockchains using Rust for smart contracts.
   • It uses Rust for both its core protocol and smart contracts (called "programs" in Solana).
   • Solana's programming model is designed to take advantage of Rust's safety and performance features.

2. Near Protocol:

   • Near supports smart contracts written in Rust.
   • It compiles Rust to WebAssembly (Wasm) for execution on the Near blockchain.
   • Near also offers an AssemblyScript option for developers more comfortable with JavaScript-like syntax.

3. Polkadot:

   • While Polkadot itself doesn't run smart contracts, parachains in the Polkadot ecosystem can support Rust-based smart contracts.
   • Substrate, the framework used to build Polkadot and its parachains, is written in Rust.
   • Many Polkadot parachains, like Astar and Acala, support Rust for smart contract development.

4. Concordium:

   • Concordium is a blockchain focusing on regulatory compliance and identity.
   • It supports smart contracts written in Rust, which are then compiled to Wasm.

5. Secret Network:

   • Secret Network, focused on privacy-preserving smart contracts, supports contracts written in Rust.
   • These contracts are compiled to Wasm and can operate on encrypted data.

6. Internet Computer:

   • Developed by Dfinity, the Internet Computer supports "canisters" (their term for smart contracts) written in Rust.
   • It also supports other languages that can compile to WebAssembly.

7. Oasis Network:

   • Oasis, a privacy-focused blockchain platform, supports smart contracts written in Rust.

8. Nervos CKB:

   • Nervos allows developers to write smart contracts in any language that can compile to RISC-V instructions, including Rust.

9. Holochain:

   • While not a traditional blockchain, Holochain supports developing distributed applications ("hApps") using Rust.

10. Cosmos ecosystem:

    • Some chains in the Cosmos ecosystem support Rust for smart contract development, especially those built with the CosmWasm framework.

11. Stellar Network

    • Stellar is a layer-1 open-source, decentralized, peer-to-peer blockchain network that provides a framework for developers to create applications, issue assets, write smart contracts, and connect to existing financial rails.

12. MultiversX:

    • This chain aims to create a high-performance, scalable blockchain platform that enables fast transactions, interoperability between different blockchains, and supports the development dApps with advanced features like cross-chain communication and Layer 2 scaling solutions.

The ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and more platforms are likely to adopt Rust for smart contract development due to its advantages in terms of safety and performance.

Some valuable links to developing contracts for the Solana blockchain:

1. Solana Developer Documentation: https://docs.solana.com/

   This official documentation provides comprehensive guides, tutorials, and examples on Solana development, including Rust-specific information.

2. Solana Rust Cookbook: https://solana.com/docs/programs/lang-rust

   A collection of practical examples and recipes for common tasks in Solana Rust development, making it a great resource for learning by doing.

3. Solana Rust Tutorial Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AAtfPHEMbA

   This video series offers step-by-step tutorials and explanations, making it a visually engaging way to learn Solana Rust development.

4. Solana Rust Community and Forums: https://discord.com/invite/solana-community-926762104667648000

   Engage with other developers, ask questions, and learn from their experiences in the Solana Rust community.

5. Solana Rust Code Examples and Projects: https://github.com/ronanyeah/solana-rust-examples

   Explore open-source projects and code examples to understand how Rust is used in real-world Solana applications.

   By leveraging these resources, you can gain a solid foundation in Solana Rust development and start building your own smart contracts on the Solana blockchain.

Here are 5 resources to help you get started with writing smart contracts on the Near Protocol:

1. Near Protocol Developer Documentation: https://docs.near.org/

   This official documentation provides comprehensive guides, tutorials, and examples on Near Protocol development, including Rust-specific information.

2. Near Protocol Rust SDK: https://github.com/near/near-sdk-rs

   Content:** The official Rust SDK for interacting with the Near Protocol blockchain. This is essential for developing smart contracts and interacting with the network.

3. Near Protocol Community Forums: https://gov.near.org/

   A brilliant vibrant community where you can ask questions, get help, and learn from other developers working on Near Protocol.

4. Near Protocol Developer Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuKdIYVN8iE3fv8alyk1aMw

   Many developers have created tutorials and courses on Near Protocol development, providing step-by-step guidance and examples.

5. Open-Source Projects and Code Examples: https://github.com/near

   Explore open-source projects and code examples on GitHub to learn from others and get inspiration for your own smart contract development.

1. Take a look at Polkadot SDK for devs looking to build on the Polkadot network: https://polkadotecosystem.com/tools/dev/polkadot-sdk/