What Is New in Rust 1.44
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| New Features | cargo tree integrated into Cargo; async/await support in no_std contexts |
How does Cargo tree work now that it's built into Cargo?
The new cargo tree subcommand is part of Cargo itself, so you no longer need an external crate to visualize your dependency graph. In practice you can run cargo tree in any project directory and get a hierarchical view of crates, which helps with audit and size-budget checks.
cargo tree --all-features
This matters if you previously added cargo-tree as a dev-dependency just to run the command; the integration reduces build script noise and keeps your Cargo.lock cleaner.
Can I use async/await in no_std environments in Rust 1.44?
Yes, Rust 1.44 adds support for async/await syntax in #![no_std] crates, allowing asynchronous code without the standard library.
#![no_std]
async fn read_sensor() -> u8 {
// async logic here
}
This matters if you target embedded devices or OS kernels where the standard library is unavailable; you can now write ergonomic async code instead of hand-rolled state machines.
What other notable changes are in Rust 1.44?
Rust 1.44 is a small, focused release that primarily introduces the two features above and includes a handful of internal improvements and bug fixes not exposed as user-visible changes. Most teams will see a smooth upgrade path with zero breaking changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new cargo tree command in Rust 1.44?
The command is invoked as cargo tree and prints a hierarchical view of a crate's dependencies.
How can I enable async/await in a no_std crate?
Add #![no_std] at the crate root and write async functions as usual; the compiler now generates the necessary futures without std.
Do I need to change my Cargo.toml to use the integrated cargo tree?
No, cargo tree works out of the box with any existing Cargo.toml.
Are there any breaking changes in Rust 1.44?
No, the release contains no breaking changes.
Is the async/await support in no_std stable or experimental?
It is stable and part of the official language syntax.
Can I use cargo tree to visualize dependencies of a binary crate?
Yes, running cargo tree in the binary's directory will list all linked crates.