Learner Profiles
Intended learner
This lesson is designed for someone who can:
- write and call Python functions;
- use lists, dictionaries, loops, imports, and exceptions;
- use Git to clone a repository; and
- run commands in a terminal.
The learner may maintain an application, data pipeline, scientific package, or developer tool and is curious about performance, reliability, concurrency, or native distribution.
What learners do not need
No previous experience with Rust, Pixi, C, C++, native extension modules, manual memory management, or compiler construction is assumed. Familiarity with type hints is helpful but not required. Pixi creates and activates the workshop’s Python and Rust environments, so learners do not need to manage a virtual environment by hand.
Accessibility and pacing
New syntax and ownership concepts arrive close together. Present code in small increments, read compiler messages aloud, and leave completed snippets visible for reference. Provide the final exercise project so that a local compiler or network problem does not prevent participation in later discussions.