How do I install a specific old solc version with svm-rs?

Use 'svm install ' with the exact version number, like 'svm install 0.4.26'. First, check available versions with 'svm list' to see if it's supported. The tool fetches from official sources, but very old versions might not be listed.

svm-rs vs solc-select: which is better for Ethereum development?

svm-rs is written in Rust and focuses on cross-platform CLI simplicity, ideal for Rust-heavy workflows. solc-select is Python-based and may integrate more seamlessly with Python tools; choose based on your ecosystem preference and need for advanced features like caching.

Can I use svm-rs to manage solc versions in a Docker container?

Yes, but you'll need to install Rust and svm-rs inside the container, which adds image size and complexity. For lightweight containers, consider pre-downloading solc binaries directly or using multi-stage builds to minimize dependencies.

How to switch solc versions per project with svm-rs?

svm-rs sets a global default via 'svm use', but for per-project control, you can override it by calling the specific binary path (shown with 'svm which') in your build scripts. It doesn't natively support project-specific config files like .solc-version.

What happens if svm-rs can't download a solc version?

The tool relies on network access to fetch binaries; if downloads fail, you might need to check your connection or manually install from source. The README doesn't detail fallback options, so troubleshooting is limited.

How to uninstall svm-rs completely from my system?

Since it's installed via Cargo, use 'cargo uninstall svm-rs' to remove the binary. Also, manually delete any cached solc versions in the default storage directory (location not specified in README) to free up space.

Open-Awesome

svm-rs

Apache-2.0Rustv0.5.26

A cross-platform Solidity compiler version manager written in Rust for managing multiple solc installations.

GitHub

289 stars48 forks0 contributors

What is svm-rs?

svm-rs is a Solidity compiler version manager written in Rust that helps developers manage multiple versions of the solc compiler. It solves the problem of needing different compiler versions for different Ethereum smart contract projects by providing a simple way to install, switch between, and remove solc versions.

Target Audience

Solidity developers and Ethereum smart contract engineers who work on multiple projects requiring different compiler versions, particularly those using Rust-based toolchains.

Value Proposition

Developers choose svm-rs for its cross-platform reliability, fast Rust implementation, and straightforward CLI interface that follows familiar version manager patterns while being specifically tailored for Solidity development workflows.

Overview

Solidity-Compiler Version Manager

Use Cases

Best For

Managing multiple solc versions across different smart contract projects
Ensuring compiler compatibility when working with legacy Solidity code
Setting up consistent development environments across teams
Quickly testing smart contracts with different compiler versions
Automating solc installation in CI/CD pipelines
Avoiding system-wide compiler conflicts in Ethereum development

Not Ideal For

Developers who exclusively use a single, fixed solc version and never switch between compiler versions
Teams embedded in JavaScript-based Ethereum stacks (e.g., Hardhat or Truffle) where integrated version managers offer tighter workflow integration
Projects requiring graphical user interfaces or web-based tools for non-technical team members to manage compilers
Environments where system package managers (e.g., apt, brew) are strictly enforced and adding Rust-based tools is prohibited

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cross-Platform Reliability

Explicitly highlighted as a key feature, it works consistently across different operating systems, ensuring developers on Windows, macOS, and Linux can use the same commands without OS-specific tweaks.

Intuitive CLI Design

Offers simple commands with aliases (e.g., 'i' for install, 'ls' for list), as shown in the usage section, reducing cognitive load for common operations like version switching.

Fast Rust Foundation

Built in Rust, which inherently provides performance and safety benefits, making it a reliable choice for managing compiler binaries without unnecessary bloat or slowdowns.

Global Version Control

Allows setting a default solc version for all projects via the 'use' command, simplifying workflows when working across multiple smart contract repositories.

Cons

Rust Installation Barrier

Requires Rust and Cargo to install (via 'cargo install'), adding setup steps for developers not already in the Rust ecosystem, which can hinder adoption in mixed-toolchain teams.

Limited Advanced Features

Lacks features common in mature version managers, such as caching for faster reinstalls, offline support, or plugins for framework integration (e.g., with Foundry or Hardhat).

Sparse Documentation Depth

The README only covers basic commands without examples for complex scenarios (e.g., CI/CD scripting or error handling), forcing users to rely on trial-and-error or external resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

linera-protocol

Main repository for the Linera protocol

Stars32,149

Forks2,413

Last commit19 hours ago

Diem

Diem’s mission is to build a trusted and innovative financial network that empowers people and businesses around the world.

Stars16,666

Forks2,539

Last commit4 days ago

Foundry

Foundry is a blazing fast, portable and modular toolkit for Ethereum application development written in Rust.

Stars10,582

Forks2,617

Last commit12 hours ago

datahaven

An EVM compatible Substrate chain, powered by StorageHub and secured by EigenLayer

Stars7,896

Forks146

Last commit4 months ago

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

Found a gem we're missing?

Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.

Submit a project Star on GitHub