# Self-Replace: A Utility For Self Replacing Executables
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[](https://crates.io/crates/self-replace)
[](https://github.com/mitsuhiko/self-replace/blob/main/LICENSE)
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[](https://docs.rs/self-replace)
`self-replace` is a crate that allows binaries to replace themselves with newer
versions or to uninstall themselves. On Unix systems this is a simple feat, but
on Windows a few hacks are needed which is why this crate exists.
This is a useful operation when working with single-executable utilties that
want to implement a form of self updating or self uninstallation.
For details about the implementation refer to the [documentation](https://docs.rs/self-replace).
## Uninstall
To uninstall a binary, use `self_delete`.
```rust
self_replace::self_delete()?;
```
## Updating
To replace a binary for updating, use `self_replace`.
```rust
let new_binary = "/path/to/new/binary";
self_replace::self_replace(&new_binary)?;
std::fs::remove_file(&new_binary)?;
```
## License and Links
* [Documentation](https://docs.rs/self-replace/)
* [Issue Tracker](https://github.com/mitsuhiko/self-replace/issues)
* [Examples](https://github.com/mitsuhiko/self-replace/tree/main/examples)
* License: [Apache-2.0](https://github.com/mitsuhiko/self-replace/blob/main/LICENSE)