# Cargo

> Guide for managing Cargo dependencies using cargo CLI commands instead of manually editing Cargo.toml. Use this skill when working on Rust projects that need dependency management. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/cargo-2` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/cargo-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/cargo-2/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/cargo-2

---


## Overview

This skill ensures dependencies are always added to Rust projects using `cargo add` CLI commands rather than manually editing `Cargo.toml`. This guarantees the latest compatible versions are used and maintains proper dependency resolution.

## Usage

### Adding Dependencies

**NEVER** manually edit `Cargo.toml` to add dependencies. Always use:

```bash
cargo add crate_name
```

**With features:**
```bash
cargo add crate_name --features "feature1,feature2"
```

**Dev dependencies:**
```bash
cargo add crate_name --dev
```

**Build dependencies:**
```bash
cargo add crate_name --build
```

**With version constraint (only when necessary):**
```bash
cargo add crate_name --version "^1.0.0"
```

### Removing Dependencies

Use `cargo remove` instead of manually deleting from `Cargo.toml`:

```bash
cargo remove crate_name
cargo remove crate_name --dev
cargo remove crate_name --build
```

### Upgrading Dependencies

Use `cargo upgrade` to update dependencies (requires `cargo-edit` package):

```bash
cargo upgrade crate_name
cargo upgrade --all
cargo upgrade --dry-run
```

### Checking Dependency Status

```bash
cargo tree
cargo outdated
```

## When to Use

Use this skill whenever you need to:
- Add a new dependency to a Rust project
- Remove a dependency
- Update or upgrade dependencies
- Modify dependency features

## Best Practices

1. **Always use `cargo add`** - Never hardcode versions unless explicitly required
2. **Specify features** - Always include required features with `--features` flag
3. **Check dependency tree** - Use `cargo tree` after adding to verify transitive dependencies
4. **Test after changes** - Run `cargo build` and `cargo test` after dependency changes
5. **Use dry-run** - When unsure, use `--dry-run` flag to preview changes

---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/patrickhaahr) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-14 -->