RustRover is a new standalone integrated development environment (IDE) from JetBrains, designed specifically for programmers using the Rust language. Unlike Rust plugins for IntelliJ IDEA and CLion, RustRover is a full-fledged solution with advanced features tailored to Rust’s unique characteristics. This IDE offers deep integration with the Rust ecosystem, providing tools that account for key aspects such as the ownership system and memory safety.
Rust has gained popularity due to its performance, safety, and concurrency support, making it essential for modern projects. However, existing tools, such as plugins for general-purpose IDEs, often fall short in fully supporting Rust’s unique capabilities. Developers face challenges with Cargo integration, macro handling, and ownership system analysis. RustRover addresses these issues by offering a specialized environment that simplifies development and helps create more reliable and efficient code. As a standalone IDE, RustRover allows JetBrains to focus on the needs of the Rust community, delivering optimization and performance even for large-scale projects.
Key Features of RustRover
RustRover is a specialized IDE from JetBrains created to streamline Rust development. It offers powerful tools, deep integration with the Rust ecosystem, and features focused on safety and performance. Below are its key features:
Deep Integration with Rust Tools
-
- Cargo Support:
- Fully integrated with Rust’s package manager and build system. Create, import, and update projects, and run commands like `cargo build`, `cargo run`, and `cargo test` directly from the interface.
- Automatic Dependency Management:
- The IDE updates dependencies and project configurations automatically, simplifying work with external libraries.
- Cargo Support:
Smart Code Completion and Analysis
-
- Ownership and LifetimeAware Suggestions:
- Code completion accounts for Rust’s unique features like ownership and lifetimes, helping developers write safer code.
- Memory Safety Checks:
- Static code analysis detects potential issues such as dangling pointers or resource leaks during coding.
- Ownership and LifetimeAware Suggestions:
Debugging and Testing
-
- BuiltIn Debugger:
- Supports multithreaded applications, simplifying error detection and resolution.
- Test Integration:
- Easily run tests via `cargo test` with an interface for viewing results and navigating code.
- BuiltIn Debugger:
Macro Support
-
- Macro Navigation and Expansion:
- Navigate macros effortlessly and view their expanded form in real time for easier debugging.
- Macro Navigation and Expansion:
Support for Modern Practices
-
- Refactoring Tools:
- Tools adapted for Rust idioms, such as replacing tuples with `Result<>` for error handling.
- Version Control:
- Git integration and support for other systems to streamline team collaboration.
- Refactoring Tools:
Optimized for Rust
-
- High Performance:
Handles large projects efficiently, ensuring fast navigation and analysis even in massive codebases.
- High Performance:
Safety and Reliability
-
- Error Prevention:
мTools to avoid memory leaks and concurrency issues, aligning with Rust’s focus on safety.
- Error Prevention:
Community Support
-
- JetBrains’ Involvement in the Rust Foundation:
Ensures the IDE stays uptodate with the latest language developments.
- JetBrains’ Involvement in the Rust Foundation:
Future Roadmap
-
- WebAssembly and Embedded Development:
Planned support for WebAssembly and embedded systems. - Machine Learning:
Integration with libraries like `ndarray` to expand capabilities.
- WebAssembly and Embedded Development:
Availability
-
- Early Access Program (EAP): Currently free during the EAP phase.
- PostLaunch: Available via a commercial license or as part of a JetBrains bundle. A free plugin for IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate will remain but without new features.
Who Should Use RustRover?
- Teams:
- Ideal for large projects thanks to collaboration tools.
- Developers:
- Those prioritizing safety, performance, and deep Rust integration.
Comparison with Other Tools
How does RustRover stack up against alternatives like IntelliJ/CLion plugins or VS Code with extensions?
IntelliJ/CLion Rust Plugin:
- RustRover Advantages:
- Deeper integration with Rust’s ecosystem, including Cargo support, enhanced ownershipaware code analysis, and optimized performance for large projects.
- Plugin Limitations:
- Offers basic features but lacks the specialized tools and integration of a standalone IDE.
VS Code with Extensions:
- RustRover Advantages:
- Advanced static analysis, native `Rustfmt` integration for code formatting, and Rustspecific refactoring tools.
- VS Code Limitations:
- While flexible, its extensions may not match RustRover’s performance or integration, especially for complex projects.
Example Workflow in RustRover
Let’s explore how RustRover simplifies Rust development with a sample project:
Create a Project:
- Launch RustRover and select New Project.
- Choose the Rust Project template and name it (e.g., `my_project`).
- RustRover autogenerates the project structure with `Cargo.toml` and `src/main.rs`.
Write Code:
Open src/main.rs and write:
fn main() {
let student = ("Alice", true);
println!("Student: {}, Active: {}", student.0, student.1);
}RustRover provides code completion and highlights potential issues.
Refactor:
- Highlight the tuple `("Alice", true)` and use the refactoring tool to replace it with `Result<Student, &str>`.
- RustRover updates the code while respecting Rust’s type system and idioms.
Debug:
- Set a breakpoint at the `println!` line.
- Launch the debugger. RustRover pauses at the breakpoint, allowing variable and call stack inspection.
Test:
Add a test module to `src/main.rs`:
#[cfg(test)]
mod tests {
#[test]
fn test_student() {
assert_eq!(2 + 2, 4);
}
}Run tests via RustRover’s integrated `cargo test` interface.
Licensing and Availability
RustRover is currently free during its Early Access Program (EAP). Postlaunch, it will follow a commercial licensing model similar to other JetBrains products. A free plugin for IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate will remain available but will not receive new features introduced in RustRover.
Benefits of RustRover
- RustOptimized:
- Enhanced performance and tools tailored to Rust’s ownership system and memory safety.
- Safety and Reliability:
- Builtin safeguards against memory leaks and concurrency errors.
- CommunityDriven:
- JetBrains’ involvement in the Rust Foundation ensures alignment with the latest language updates.
Future of RustRover
JetBrains plans to expand RustRover’s capabilities, including:
- WebAssembly and Embedded Development:
- Tools for building applications in these domains.
- Machine Learning:
- Integration with data science libraries like `ndarray`.
- User Feedback:
- The EAP program allows developers to shape the IDE’s evolution through bug reports and feature requests.
In summary, RustRover is poised to become a powerful tool for Rust developers, offering everything needed to build safe, efficient, and reliable code.
