Side by side
Cargo vs vcpkg
Both stand on package managers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Cargo brings package management and common build tasks together for Rust development. Check whether any feature you need is stable, since some require a nightly toolchain and -Z flags.
Visit Cargo Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
vcpkg offers dependency management, caching, and registry options for C/C++ projects across several platforms. Consider its varying firewall needs and telemetry opt-out steps when planning adoption.
Visit vcpkgThe facts
| Cargo | vcpkg | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | vcpkg |
| Website | doc.rust-lang.org | vcpkg.io |
| On package managers | #11 of 93 | #7 of 93 |
Cargo: what it does well
- Free Rust package manager and build tool
- Supports crates.io, alternate registries, Git, and local paths
- Workspaces share a lockfile and output directory
- Offline mode can use locally cached data
- Includes commands for testing, packaging, and publishing
What to know first
- Some features require nightly Rust and -Z flags
- Used through a command-line interface
vcpkg: what it does well
- Curated registry lists over 2,300 open-source libraries.
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Manifest files specify dependencies, features, and version constraints.
- Package and asset caching support reuse and offline environments.
- Custom registries can hold private libraries and patches.
What to know first
- Firewall access needs vary with installed ports.
- Anonymous usage data is collected by default.
- Other build systems require manual integration.