AI Code Transforms C to Rust for Safer Software

The Great Refactor initiative aims to use AI-powered tools to automatically convert 100 million lines of vulnerable C/C++ code in critical open-source libraries into memory-safe Rust by 2030. Memory safety issues account for roughly 70% of software vulnerabilities, and while manual conversion requires thousands of hours, modern AI coding tools can now reliably translate programs up to 5,000 lines with oversight. DARPA's TRACTOR program is exploring hybrid approaches combining AI with classical code analysis. Key challenges include ensuring the translated code is maintainable by humans, the limited pool of Rust experts, and securing $100 million in government or private funding.