Rust: What is the difference between clone() and copy() in Rust?

clone() — deep copy, explicit. Copy — shallow copy, implicit.

clone():

• Deep copy.
• Explicit call.
• Can be expensive.
• Works for all types.

1let s1 = String::from("hello");
2let s2 = s1.clone();  // Deep copy
3println!("{} {}", s1, s2);  // Both valid

Copy trait:

• Shallow copy.
• Implicit.
• Cheap.
• Only for simple types.

1let x = 5;
2let y = x;  // Copy (implicit)
3println!("{} {}", x, y);  // Both valid

Types that implement Copy:

• Integers, floats, booleans.
• char, tuples (if elements are Copy).
• Function pointers.

Key differences:

• clone — deep, explicit.
• Copy — shallow, implicit.
• clone — expensive.
• Copy — cheap.