Optimizing Rust 1.85 Binary Size for Embedded Systems with Strip and LTO

📰 Dev.to · ANKUSH CHOUDHARY JOHAL

Learn to optimize Rust binary size for embedded systems using strip and LTO, reducing size from 187KB to a fraction of that

intermediate Published 29 Apr 2026
Action Steps
  1. Build a default Rust 1.85 release binary for a Cortex-M4 embedded target
  2. Apply strip to remove unnecessary symbols and debug information
  3. Enable Link Time Optimization (LTO) to further reduce binary size
  4. Compare the binary sizes before and after optimization
  5. Test the optimized binary on the embedded system to ensure functionality
Who Needs to Know This

Embedded systems developers and engineers working with Rust can benefit from this optimization technique to reduce binary size and improve performance

Key Insight

💡 Using strip and LTO can significantly reduce Rust binary size, making it more suitable for resource-constrained embedded systems

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🚀 Optimize Rust binary size for embedded systems with strip and LTO! 📉 From 187KB to a fraction of that

Key Takeaways

Learn to optimize Rust binary size for embedded systems using strip and LTO, reducing size from 187KB to a fraction of that

Full Article

A default Rust 1.85 release binary for a Cortex-M4 embedded target weighs 187KB. After applying strip...
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