How to use the command rustup doc (with examples)
This article will guide you through the different use cases of the rustup doc command, which allows you to open the offline Rust documentation for the current toolchain. Whether you want to open the main page, specific topics, or books related to Rust, this command has you covered.
Use case 1: Open the main page
Code:
rustup doc
Motivation: By running rustup doc without any arguments, you can quickly access the main page of the offline Rust documentation. This is useful when you need to look up general information about Rust or navigate to specific topics from the main page.
Explanation: The command rustup doc opens the offline Rust documentation for the current toolchain. It does not require any additional arguments or options.
Example output: The command will open the main page of the Rust documentation in your default web browser.
Use case 2: Open the documentation for a specific topic
Code:
rustup doc std::fs
Motivation: When working with Rust and need information about a specific module in the standard library (in this example, the “fs” module), you can use the rustup doc command to quickly access its documentation. This saves you the trouble of searching for the information online.
Explanation: In this example, rustup doc std::fs opens the documentation for the “fs” module in the standard library. The std prefix is required to specify that the module is part of the standard library.
Example output: The command will open the documentation page for the “fs” module, displaying detailed information about its functions, structs, and traits.
Use case 3: Open the Rust Programming Language book
Code:
rustup doc --book
Motivation: The Rust Programming Language book is a comprehensive resource that provides in-depth information about the Rust programming language. By using the rustup doc --book command, you can easily access and navigate this book offline.
Explanation: The --book option tells the rustup doc command to open the Rust Programming Language book. This book covers a wide range of topics and is a valuable resource for learning and understanding Rust.
Example output: The command will open the Rust Programming Language book in your default web browser, allowing you to explore the different chapters and topics covered in the book.
Use case 4: Open the Cargo book
Code:
rustup doc --cargo
Motivation: Cargo is the build system and package manager for Rust. To effectively use and understand Cargo, it can be helpful to access its official documentation. The rustup doc --cargo command allows you to do just that.
Explanation: The --cargo option tells the rustup doc command to open the Cargo book, which provides detailed information about using and configuring Cargo for your Rust projects.
Example output: The command will open the Cargo book in your default web browser, providing you with information on how to use Cargo, manage dependencies, and build your Rust projects.
Use case 5: Open the Rust Reference
Code:
rustup doc --reference
Motivation: The Rust Reference is a technical resource that dives deep into the details of the Rust language and its features. If you need to look up a specific language feature or syntax, the rustup doc --reference command will give you direct access to this documentation.
Explanation: The --reference option tells the rustup doc command to open the Rust Reference. This documentation provides a comprehensive overview of Rust’s syntax, language constructs, and behavior.
Example output: The command will open the Rust Reference in your default web browser, enabling you to search for and access detailed information about specific language features.
Conclusion:
The rustup doc command is a powerful tool for accessing the offline Rust documentation, providing you with quick and easy access to the Rust programming language, standard library, books, and reference material. By using the various arguments and options, you can access specific topics and resources based on your needs. Whether you’re a beginner learning Rust or an experienced developer looking up specific information, rustup doc is an invaluable command for navigating the Rust documentation.
