Beyond Bash: Exploring Modern Rust-Based Command-Line Utilities

  • 16/2/2023
  • 2-minute read

Rust has emerged as a powerhouse for building robust, lightning-fast, and secure software. Its influence extends beyond web applications and systems programming—it’s also gaining traction in the realm of command-line utilities.

Here’s a curated list of Rust-powered command-line tools that can streamline your workflow, enhance productivity, and make your life in the terminal a breeze:

Text Manipulation

  • bat : A “cat” clone with wings, featuring syntax highlighting, Git integration, and automatic paging for seamless viewing of text files.
  • ripgrep: Lightning-fast, cross-platform text search tool with features like regex support, multi-threaded execution, and smart case-sensitivity handling.
  • fd: A blazing-fast alternative to “find”, offering intuitive filtering, intelligent search defaults, and seamless integration with other Rust tools.
  • dust: https://github.com/bootandy/dust): A human-friendly “du” replacement for better disk usage visualization, with color-coded output and clear information hierarchy.

File Management

  • exa: A modern “ls” alternative with a visually appealing interface, long file name support, Git integration, and customizable display options.
  • broot: A reimagined file browser for efficient navigation and file management, offering filtering, multi-pane views, and seamless integration with other tools.
  • delta: A syntax-highlighting pager for viewing “git diff” output, “git show” output, and plain text patches with clarity.

Development

  • cargo: The heart of Rust development, handling package management, dependency resolution, and project building.
  • rustfmt: Ensures consistent code formatting across your Rust codebase, adhering to community-defined style guidelines.
  • clippy: A linter offering helpful suggestions and code improvements to enhance code quality and maintainability.

Networking

  • hyperfine: A benchmarking tool for comparing the performance of different commands and scripts, providing accurate insights for optimization.
  • miniserve: A straightforward tool for serving static files over HTTP, ideal for quick file sharing and testing.

And many more!

The Rust ecosystem is brimming with innovative command-line tools. Explore and discover those that align with your specific needs and preferences!

Key Takeaways

  • Rust’s memory safety, speed, and concurrency features make it an excellent choice for building reliable and efficient command-line utilities.
  • The Rust community is actively developing a diverse range of tools, catering to various use cases and workflows.
  • These tools often offer significant performance improvements, enhanced features, and a user-friendly experience compared to traditional alternatives.

Ready to dive in? Embrace the power of Rust and elevate your command-line experience!

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