Question 1

How to set up hot-lib-reloader with an existing Rust project?

Accepted Answer

Use the cargo generate template for a quick start or manually create a workspace with a dynamic library crate, following the example setup in the README to define hot modules and no_mangle functions. Adjust file watching and library paths as needed for your structure.

Question 2

hot-lib-reloader vs static linking for faster development iteration?

Accepted Answer

hot-lib-reloader excels for live code changes without restarts, ideal for GUIs or games with long startup times, while static linking is simpler but slower for iteration. The tool includes feature flags to switch between modes, but hot-reloading adds complexity and limitations like signature constraints.

Question 3

Can I change struct fields with hot-lib-reloader without crashing?

Accepted Answer

Only with serialization workarounds, such as using serde_json::Value for state, as direct changes to type layouts cause undefined behavior. The README recommends serialization or generic values to safely iterate on state during development.

Question 4

Why does hot-lib-reloader crash after I modify function parameters?

Accepted Answer

Signature changes create a mismatch between the executable's expected types and the library's provided types, leading to crashes. To avoid this, use serialization for state or stick to modifying only function bodies without altering parameters or return types.

Question 5

How to debug hot-lib-reloader compilation or runtime errors?

Accepted Answer

Use cargo expand to inspect generated code from the hot_module macro, and enable logging via RUST_LOG=hot_lib_reloader=trace to see internal actions. Check for common issues like global state or incompatible crates like tracing.

Question 6

Does hot-lib-reloader work with async Rust or tokio applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can integrate with async runtimes, as shown in the tokio example where reload events are handled in asynchronous contexts. However, ensure state management accounts for reloads to avoid race conditions or broken dependencies.

hot-lib-reloader

What is hot-lib-reloader?

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