uutils coreutils CLI
uutils coreutils provides Rust file utilities that can sit beside system commands for comparisons with existing scripts.
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Extended access
Why this level
- The collection includes file-modifying commands; effects depend on the chosen utility and user permissions.
Install
Manual install
cargo install --path . --lockedFirst Installation-section method, from the previously downloaded repository directory.
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- The collection includes file-modifying commands; effects depend on the chosen utility and user permissions.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
uutils coreutils is a Rust CLI collection that reimplements GNU file and text commands. Utilities can be built separately or combined in one multicall binary. Users can select only the programs their scripts need. When migrating a script, compare output and exit codes with the GNU versions because some options still differ. A trial installation can use prefixed names to leave system programs in place. Report a difference with a minimal example and results from both implementations.
Who it is for. Maintainers of cross-platform scripts seeking a consistent Rust-based file and text utility set.
Good fit when
- A script needs similar utility behavior across operating systems.
- A Rust migration requires checking existing command output compatibility.
- An environment needs a multicall binary for several utilities.
- A build should include selected programs rather than the entire collection.
Not a fit when
- Production requires complete option compatibility without testing.
- You plan to replace shared system commands without review.
- You need a permission system limiting agent file access.
Example request
Prepare a separate uutils installation and compare our test-script output against current utilities. Do not replace system commands yet.Limitations
All utilities are implemented, but some options and behavior still differ from GNU coreutils. Source builds require Rust and Cargo; confirm that both are available in the shell you will use to build the collection. Cargo installation does not add manual pages or shell completion. Prebuilt GNU-target binaries depend on the target system’s glibc version; separate musl builds are available for environments using that library instead.
How to disable. For a Cargo installation, run `cargo uninstall coreutils`. A standard Make installation has `make uninstall` in the source directory. If you changed the name prefix or installation directory, use the same values from the [uninstall guide](https://github.com/uutils/coreutils#uninstall-with-gnu-make).
FAQ
Where should Cargo installation run?
Run inside the downloaded coreutils repository: `--path .` refers to the current directory. Running elsewhere will not select this project.
Can I build a single binary?
Yes. The normal Cargo build creates a coreutils binary that runs multiple utilities. Its command set depends on the selected build options.
Can system commands remain alongside it?
Yes. Make installation supports a name prefix such as uu-. Select it before installation and use it explicitly in tests.
Are prebuilt binaries available?
Yes. The release page contains stable and latest-commit builds. Choose a fixed stable release when installations must be reproducible.
How should I report a GNU difference?
Provide a minimal example with output and exit codes from both implementations. The project treats incompatibilities as bugs.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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