Memory Safety, Ecosystem Talks, and Java Interoperability at FOSDEM 2025
Article Summary
Swift just made a major statement at FOSDEM 2025, and it's not just about iOS anymore. The language is pushing hard into memory safety, embedded systems, and even Java interoperability.
The Swift community showcased its expanding ecosystem at FOSDEM 2025 in Brussels, featuring a main stage talk by Doug Gregor on memory safety and the language's first-ever dedicated DevRoom. With 12 packed sessions covering everything from embedded hardware to server-side development, Swift is clearly positioning itself as a cross-platform powerhouse.
Key Takeaways
- Doug Gregor presented Swift's memory safety approach on FOSDEM's main stage
- Swift's inaugural DevRoom featured 12 talks spanning embedded, Linux, and server development
- New Java interoperability effort enables Swift/Java integration without complete rewrites
- Demos included ferrofluidic music visualizers and container deployment with swift-container-plugin
Critical Insight
Swift is rapidly expanding beyond Apple platforms with serious investments in memory safety, embedded systems, and Java interoperability that could reshape how teams build cross-platform applications.
