To run Rust on Windows, you first need to install the necessary tools. The primary method involves downloading and running an installer directly from the official Rust website.
Getting Started with Rust on Windows
The most straightforward way to get Rust running on your Windows machine is by using the official installer. This process sets up the Rust toolchain, including the compiler (rustc) and the package manager (cargo), which are essential for writing, building, and running Rust code.
Installation Steps
Based on the provided reference, here's how you can install Rust on Windows:
- Download the Installer: Go to the official Rust installation page: https://www.rust-lang.org/tools/install. Download the installer specifically for Windows.
- Run the Installer: Execute the downloaded file. The installer will guide you through the setup process.
- Install C++ Build Tools (If Needed): During the installation, you may be prompted to install the Visual Studio C++ build tools. These are necessary because Rust often compiles against the system's C ABI, and the Windows toolchain requires components from Visual Studio. Follow the installer's instructions if this step is required.
Once the installation is complete, you will have the Rust compiler and cargo installed, allowing you to compile and run Rust programs from your Windows command prompt or PowerShell.
Alternative: Using WSL
The reference also notes that you can install Rust on a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distribution. If you have WSL set up, you can follow the standard Linux installation instructions within your WSL environment, which uses a different method (typically involving running a script like rustup-init.sh). This approach can be beneficial if you prefer a Linux development environment or need compatibility with Linux-specific tools.
By following these steps, you can successfully set up the Rust development environment on your Windows computer and begin writing and executing Rust code.
