Learning Rust

This is my learning Rust repository.

Each project subdirectory will have some kind of goal to focus on and learn.

Learning Project 1

• Learning goals

  • Learning the basics of setting up a Rust project
  • Learning to reduce the size of the final compiled file
  • Learn how to setup a simple program

• What I've learned

  • How to set up a simple Rust project using cargo new [my_project_name], and using the --vcs none flag will not create a Git repo for the project
  • compiling the rust project using using cargo command
    • cargo build # used during development
    • cargo build -- release # used for release build
  • Rust seem to compile to large for a simple program
  • Learned to reduce the size of the final compiled file from 4.1MB to 114KB using the steps in Minimizing Rust Binary Size
    • To really shrink the binary size I used upx
  • Each program has to have a main function where program is run from

Learning Project 2

• Learning goals

  • Learn how to assign variables
  • Learn types of variables I have access to
  • Learn to pass and return to and from a function

• What I've learned

  • Rust is statically typed language which means the complier needs to know the type on compile
  • You can have the complier infer the type without define the type
  • to define a variables use let or const
    • let defines a mutable variables
    • const defines an in mutable variable
  • The syntax is let [variable name]: [variable type] = [value]
  • You can use a pointer by putting &. This creates a immutable reference to the value
  • The & is also used in &mut aka "mutable borrower" this make a mutable reference so you can change the value
    • You can have only one mutable borrow per value at a time
  • Using comments '//' and multy line comments start '/' and end with '/'
  • How to add a dependence to a project using 'cargo add [CARGO NAME]'

Exercises (Provided by googles Gemini)

Challenge: Define two functions:

1. calculate_age_in_days(birth_year: u16): This function should take a birth year as input and return the user's age in days, assuming the current year is 2024. Use variables to store the birth year and current year. Remember to account for leap years!
2. greet_by_name(name: &str, age: u32): This function should take a name and age as input and print a personalized greeting like "Hello, Alice! You are 30 years old."

Bonus: Enhance the functions by:

- Adding error handling for invalid inputs (e.g., incorrect birth year or negative age).
- Allowing the calculate_age_in_days function to accept dates instead of just years.
- Expanding the greet_by_name function to accept different greeting messages based on age ranges.

Learning Project 3

• Learning goals
  • Learn about tuples
  • Learn about arrays
  • condition statements "if"
  • Learn loops
    • loop
    • while
    • for..in

Exercises (Provided by googles Gemini)

I'd be happy to provide another challenge that builds upon your newfound knowledge of Rust arrays, tuples, conditionals, and loops!

Challenge:

Develop a program that simulates a simple text-based adventure game. Here are the core requirements:

Story:

You are a detective tasked with solving a mystery in a mansion. Each room in the mansion holds clues and potential dangers. Explore the mansion, navigate through challenges, and gather evidence to uncover the truth.

Functionality:

• Use arrays to represent different rooms in the mansion, each with its own description and potential items.
• Use tuples to track the player's inventory and current location.
• Implement conditionals ("if") to handle decisions made by the player, such as choosing to enter a room, interact with an object, or use an item.
• Use loops (while or for) to allow the player to explore the mansion repeatedly until the mystery is solved.

Bonus Features:

• Add character stats like health or detective points, using variables and updating them with player actions.
• Include random events or puzzles within rooms, requiring the player to use their inventory or logic to progress.
• Implement different win/lose conditions based on player choices and actions.

Remember:

• Focus on understanding and demonstrating the use of arrays, tuples, conditionals, and loops.
• Keep the game simple and focus on core mechanics rather than complex graphics or storytelling.
• Use meaningful variable names, indentation, and comments to improve code readability.

This challenge encourages you to combine various concepts while building a fun and interactive program. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions, feel free to ask! I'm here to guide you and help you complete this learning project.