Learn Rust by Building a JSON Parser
Move beyond syntax and build something real. In this hands-on program, you'll learn Rust by implementing your own JSON parser from scratch.
Designed for developers already comfortable with Python who want to dive into Rust through a real project — covering enums, ownership, borrowing, error handling, FFI, and more.
Program fee: $2,000
Next cohort starts: 20th April 2026
Looking for a different track? Try Snipster (intermediate app engineering), Django (SaaS app), or Agentic Python (AI/agents).
A collaboration between
What You'll Build
A full JSON parser in Rust, with Python bindings and benchmarks:
Want the full curriculum? Download the Rust Cohort syllabus (PDF)
6 Weeks. From Python to Rust Performance.
Every week you build parser components, learn Rust concepts, and push working code. Here's exactly what you'll build:
Setup & Tokenization
- 🔧 Project setup with
cargo - 📦 Variables & mutability
- 🔤 Basic types:
Stringvs&str - 🧪 Testing with
#[test] - 🎯 Build a JSON tokenizer
Types & Errors
- 🎭 Enums & pattern matching
- 🔀
Option<T>andResult<T, E> - ❓ Error handling with
?operator - 🚨 Custom error types
- 🎯 Parse primitive JSON types
Ownership & Borrowing
- 🏗️ Structs and
implblocks - 📍 References:
&and&mut - 🔒 Ownership vs borrowing
- 🧠 Memory safety principles
- 🎯 Structured parser with state
Collections & Recursion
- 📚
Vec<T>andHashMap - 🔄 Iterators and loops
- 🌳 Recursive data structures
- 📝 Display trait for serialization
- 🎯 Parse arrays & objects
Python Integration
- 🔗 Foreign Function Interface (FFI)
- 🐍 PyO3 Python bindings
- 💾 Cross-language memory management
- 📦 Build as Python extension
- 🎯 Call Rust from Python
Polish & Optimize
- ⚡ Performance measurement
- 🚀 String allocation optimization
- 📊 Benchmark vs Python's json
- 📚 Documentation & examples
- 🎯 Production-ready library
Want the full curriculum? Download the Rust syllabus (PDF)
Why Developers Love Our PDC Programs
It's been a privilege being part of the Rust cohort — I genuinely enjoyed the work and the whole experience.
The hands-on approach made all the difference. Building something real made Rust click in a way that tutorials never could — and honestly, it's made me a better Python developer too.
I finished the parser last Thursday — my Rust implementation is only 0.8x slower than CPython's C and 10–12x faster than simplejson. Check it out: github.com/13hulk/rust-cohort
— Vikas Z.
Meet Your Coach
Jim Hodapp is a seasoned Rust developer, open source contributor, and software engineering coach with over two decades of experience. He’s worked across the stack — from GNOME and Ubuntu to embedded systems and startups — and now mentors developers through Refactor Coaching to level up both technically and professionally. Whether you're new to Rust or ready to deepen your systems programming skills, Jim brings the perspective, structure, and guidance to help you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 Program Overview
Is this like a typical course?
No — this is a mentor-led, project-based program. You'll build and ship a real app with live calls, support, and community accountability over ~6 weeks. You can join anytime.
How is this different from your 1:1 coaching?
This program offers structure, support, and live check-ins, but without the intensity of 1:1 coaching. You’ll work independently on the same app with guidance and feedback from us, plus interaction with others in the program through calls and the forum. 1:1 coaching, on the other hand, is more tailored and hands-on.
🧠 Readiness & Expectations
What level do I need?
Best for intermediate→advanced Pythonistas ready to learn Rust fundamentals (ownership/borrowing, enums, error handling).
What if I fall behind?
No stress — we record all calls and provide async support via our private community. You’ll always be able to catch up and get feedback.
How much time do I need each week?
Plan for ~6–8 hours per week: live sessions + focused project work.
💻 Project & Collaboration
Do I need my own project idea?
No — you’ll implement a guided JSON parser in Rust with room for extensions (benchmarks, Python bindings, FFI).
Do we work solo or in teams?
You’ll build independently, but you'll be surrounded by peers and get support from the Pybites team throughout.
Will this help me build my portfolio?
Yes — a Rust JSON parser repo with tests/benchmarks and optional Python bindings.
Do I get access to the Pybites Coding Platform in PDC?
Yes! During the program, you'll get full access to the Pybites Coding Platform — the same platform thousands of developers use to practice Python daily. We use it throughout the program to reinforce concepts, share code, and track your progress.
🚀 Getting Started
How do I get started?
Apply using the form above. We review new applications weekly and admit a limited number at a time.
Is there a fixed start date?
Yes, cohorts have fixed start dates. Please see the program details above for upcoming dates.
Can companies enroll developers?
Yes! This format works great for team learning. Email us at [email protected] to get started.