How to use the command "nimble" (with examples)
Nimble is a package manager for the Nim programming language. It allows you to search for packages, install and manage Nim projects and their dependencies. This article will provide examples on how to use several of the available functionalities of the “nimble” command.
Use case 1: Search for packages
Code:
nimble search search_string
Motivation: Searching for packages is useful when you want to find new libraries or extensions for your Nim projects.
Explanation: This command allows you to search for packages based on the provided search string.
Example output:
Search results for 'json':
- jsonmancer: JSON handling library for Nim.
- jsonutils: JSON utility library for Nim.
- nimjson: JSON library with two modes of operation.
...
Use case 2: Install a package
Code:
nimble install package
Motivation: Installing a package is necessary to use external libraries or dependencies in your Nim projects.
Explanation: This command installs the specified Nim package and its dependencies.
Example output:
Downloading package "nimcrypto"...
Building nimcrypto (version: 0.7.1)...
Installing nimcrypto (version: 0.7.1)...
Installed package "nimcrypto".
Use case 3: List installed packages
Code:
nimble list -i
Motivation: Listing installed packages allows you to keep track of the packages you have installed on your system.
Explanation: This command lists the installed Nim packages along with their versions.
Example output:
nimble: 0.13.0
nimcrypto: 0.7.1
nimjson: 0.4.6
nimterop: 0.3.0
Use case 4: Create a new Nimble package in the current directory
Code:
nimble init
Motivation: Creating a new Nimble package is the first step when starting a new Nim project.
Explanation: This command initializes a new Nimble package in the current directory by generating the necessary files and folders.
Example output:
Creating Nimble package...
Generated package.nimble
Generated src/main.nim
Generated tests/test.nim
Package initialization complete.
Use case 5: Build a Nimble package
Code:
nimble build
Motivation: Building a Nimble package is necessary to compile and prepare your Nim project for execution.
Explanation: This command builds the Nimble package by compiling the code and generating the necessary executable files.
Example output:
Compiling main.nim...
Linking executable: my_project
Build successful.
Use case 6: Install a Nimble package
Code:
nimble install
Motivation: Installing a Nimble package is useful when you want to add an already existing package to your project.
Explanation: This command installs the Nimble package defined in the “packages” section of the project’s Nimble file.
Example output:
Downloading package "nimhttp"...
Building nimhttp (version: 0.3.0)...
Installing nimhttp (version: 0.3.0)...
Installed package "nimhttp".
Conclusion:
The “nimble” command provides a comprehensive set of functionalities to manage Nim projects and their dependencies. From searching for packages to creating new projects and building them, Nimble simplifies the package management process for the Nim programming language. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, knowing how to effectively use the “nimble” command will greatly enhance your Nim programming experience.
