# Step 2: Install Rust and Cargo

Rust is a fast and memory-efficient programming language with no runtime or garbage collector, making it ideal for blockchain development. Cargo is Rust's package manager and build system, simplifying the process of managing dependencies and building packages.

1. **Download Rust and Cargo**:
   * Navigate to the [Rust installation page](https://www.rust-lang.org/tools/install) to access the Rustup installer, which will install Rust and Cargo.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/3WZ-gfkYT9p3p3m8RpKneJ6Ju9BSr_wBO2bWLN28RomnmQxYeJ7nJ7-gY434nSsoGPIsTmZTKrJ3QB5hcTTJyskuPl1dzsukUzf9-JNjRjVJnBuhKqyMuLubxaGojaILSeDy0NLV76GoXNCR1qc9Sg4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. **Install Rust and Cargo**:
   * Follow the instructions on the website to download and run the Rustup installer. The installer will automatically download and install Rust, along with its package manager, Cargo.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/s3AHAu3xIizSojX5WMd7lMNXWu4qQYlTo0ZjFL6Cr3eAslVigkmfA7ibZQ9Ra6g2kO98yZGdFhQZ6-Ywhmsz6ovo3VXdsHfM1AL5Z0Oa99eYUhMc7RksH1R13Azrt0TVgDvs3gOT5SxvDIKAIeu3ZuI" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example Output</p></figcaption></figure>

1. **Verify Installation**:
   * Open a new terminal window and run the following command to verify that Rust and Cargo are successfully installed:

```bash
rustc --version
cargo --version
```