Cargo

Cargo is the official package manager and build tool of the Rust language. Shipped with Rust, it manages dependencies, compiles projects, runs tests and publishes packages (called crates) to the official registry. It is one of the recognized strengths of the Rust ecosystem.

What is Cargo used for?

Cargo is used for the whole lifecycle of a Rust project: create the structure, declare and download dependencies from the crates.io registry, compile, test, document and publish. Its simplicity and consistency are often cited as a model of the genre, unlike the more fragmented toolchains of other languages.

Why is Cargo appreciated?

Cargo offers a unified experience: a single command to build, test or add a dependency, with no complex configuration. This consistency directly contributes to the Rust ecosystem's productivity reputation and eases newcomers' onboarding.

How much does Cargo cost?

Cargo is entirely free and open source, like Rust of which it is an integral part. The tool and the public crates.io registry carry no cost or paid tier. Everything is maintained by the Rust Foundation and the community.