Let’s talk about something we all crave: the best IDE for Rust. I know, I know, it can be tough to find the perfect fit with so many options out there. But fear not! I’m here to help you navigate these murky waters and find the one that’s just right for you.
Here’s our game plan:
- The features that really matter
- User-friendliness, because that’s a must
- Integration wonders
Trust me, having the right IDE can make your Rust development experience smooth as silk. So, we’ll be exploring some of the top IDEs in the Rust world, comparing their features, ease of use, and how well they integrate with other tools.
List of The Best IDE for Rust
- IntelliJ IDEA with IntelliJ Rust plugin
- RunCode
- GEANY
- Visual Studio Code
- Neovim
- Replit IDE
- Spacemacs
- Eclipse IDE
- myCompiler’s online IDE
- CLion
And let’s look at them in more detail.
IntelliJ IDEA with IntelliJ Rust plugin
JetBrains’ IntelliJ IDEA, which was first developed for Java, can also be used to programme in Rust. This is achievable using the IntelliJ Rust plugin, just as CLion. It is compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Users like this a lot because it allows them to link multiple projects together even if they don’t use workspaces. Also, it has a toolbar where you may view the project status. Most functions are included, including native code completion, extensive navigation, formatting, intents, and many more. Moreover, it supports a rudimentary debugger.
If you’re looking for a powerful Java IDE that supports JavaFX and provides support for Rust, Kotlin, and Python, which is helpful if you’re a multi-language developer, the Community Edition is a good option.
RunCode
Rust is a supported programming language in the workspaces of RunCode. Users can often write, modify, and run code in a variety of programming languages using an online coding platform called RunCode, also known as an integrated development environment (IDE), as well as use a range of tools and libraries to perform activities like creating and deploying apps. You would need to create Rust code utilising the language’s syntax and conventions in order to use Rust in a RunCode workspace. Typically, text editors are used to write and save files with the.rs extension for rust code.
use Rust in a RunCode workspace, you would need to write Rust code using the syntax and conventions of the language. Rust code is typically written in a text editor and saved in a file with a .rs extension.
GEANY
Geany is a lightweight text editor with a modern GUI that supports nearly all popular programming languages. It provides every standard feature you would expect from a modern text editor, including syntax highlighting, auto-completion, multiple document support, simple project management, syntax highlighting, code folding (partially), symbol lists, code navigation, and line numbering.
Visual Studio Code
VS Code is comprehensive and adaptable, and because it can manage big and complicated projects, it closely resembles an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). While starting up slowly, the software quickly completes a variety of demanding tasks once it is operating. It offers new ones like Node.js, Rust, and Go in addition to supporting established ones like C, C++, and C#. It is favoured by users due to its integrated terminal and Git support.
Neovim
The Unix text editor Vim has a variant called Neovim. It is highly quick, lightweight, and versatile, but because of its versatility, it also needs a lot of customisation. Rust is supported by this free and open source editor, which also has a thriving community behind it. Neovim might be a suitable match for Rust since it uses memory sparingly and is also memory-efficient. If you are utilising a small, low-cost machine and monitoring how your CPU resources are used is a top priority, this might be important.
Replit IDE
An interactive browser-based IDE is Replit IDE. It supports a variety of runtime environments and programming languages, including Node, Python, C, Java, and R. As a result, you may create front-end, back-end, and full-stack apps using the Replit IDE. Replit offers a number of starter templates to help you get going right away, just like the majority of other online editors. A project already in existence can, however, be imported from a GitHub repository. Replit is not only an online IDE, but it also features a thriving online community where you may find support and motivation.
Spacemacs
Another text editor for Rust programming is Spacemacs. It does offer all the fundamental features, including auto-completion, error detection, and correction, to the developers, but it also includes other significant features, including community-driven configurations, maintaining two totally different key binding systems, and community-maintained layers. It is a flexible and customizable text editor that essentially combines the greatest elements of the Vim and Emacs editors, offering them as one. So, in order to use Spacemacs, you must first install Emacs.
Eclipse IDE
The Rust programming language’s Eclipse Corrosion development environment is built on the Eclipse IDE. Systems programming has been supported by the Eclipse IDE for a long time. A popular C and C++ programming plug-in for the Eclipse IDE is the Eclipse CDT project. A similar approach is taken by the Eclipse Corrosion plug-in, which offers an integrated environment for creating Rust applications inside the Eclipse IDE. The majority of features that one would anticipate from a modern IDE are supported by Corrosion, including syntax highlighting, code completion, outline views, compile error and warning diagnostics, quick fixes, cargo compiling and running programmes and tests, GDB debugging, and code formatting.
myCompiler’s online IDE
Use the online IDE for myCompiler to compile your Rust code. Run and simply modify your code snippets. Without needing to download or install anything, you can start writing code right now. You can instantly run your code from any device with myCompiler. Simply go to our website, choose a language, enter your code, and press “Run” to get started. Without needing to spend hours configuring a programming environment, you can write your code. The editor in myCompiler comes pre-equipped with syntax highlighting and autocomplete, which makes creating code a snap. 26 languages are supported by myCompiler, and more will follow.
CLion
JetBrains produced the high-end IDE called CLion. The IntelliJ Rust plugin allows you to use it with Rust even though it was designed for C and C++. It is offered for Windows, Mac, and Linux. CLion can be your Rust IDE if you don’t mind paying a little monthly or yearly subscription price. It is simple to use and there is no learning curve due to the user interface’s contemporary simplicity. You can start working on your Rust project right away.
FAQ on the best IDE for Rust
What makes a good IDE for Rust development?
A good IDE for Rust development should provide features that streamline the development process and enhance productivity. These features include:
- Intelligent code completion
- Syntax highlighting
- Error checking and linting
- Code navigation and refactoring
- Integrated build tools and debugging capabilities
- Support for Cargo, Rust’s package manager
- Integration with popular Rust frameworks and libraries
What are some popular IDEs for Rust development?
There are several popular IDEs suitable for Rust development, including:
- IntelliJ Rust (a JetBrains plugin for IntelliJ IDEA)
- Visual Studio Code (with the Rust extension)
- Sublime Text (with Rust-enhanced package)
- Emacs (with Rust-mode and related packages)
- Vim (with Rust support plugins)
How do I set up IntelliJ Rust for Rust development?
To set up IntelliJ Rust for Rust development, follow these steps:
- Install IntelliJ IDEA (Community or Ultimate Edition).
- Open IntelliJ IDEA and navigate to the plugins marketplace.
- Search for “IntelliJ Rust” and install the plugin.
- Restart IntelliJ IDEA to enable the plugin.
- Create a new Rust project or open an existing one.
IntelliJ Rust will provide a comprehensive set of features tailored to Rust development.
Can I use Visual Studio Code for Rust development?
Yes, Visual Studio Code is a popular choice for Rust development. To set it up for Rust, you’ll need to install the Rust extension called “rust-analyzer.” This extension provides essential features like code completion, syntax highlighting, and error checking. You can also install additional extensions to further enhance your Rust development experience in Visual Studio Code.
How do I set up Sublime Text for Rust development?
To set up Sublime Text for Rust development, you’ll need to install the “Rust Enhanced” package. Follow these steps:
- Install Package Control in Sublime Text if you haven’t already.
- Open the Command Palette (
Ctrl+Shift+Pon Windows/Linux orCmd+Shift+Pon macOS). - Type “Install Package” and hit Enter.
- Search for “Rust Enhanced” and install the package.
Once installed, Sublime Text will provide a more Rust-friendly development environment with features like syntax highlighting, error checking, and build system integration.
Can I use Emacs for Rust development?
Yes, you can use Emacs for Rust development by setting up the appropriate packages. The main package you’ll need is “rust-mode,” which provides syntax highlighting and indentation support. You can also install other packages like “cargo” (for Cargo integration), “flycheck” (for linting), and “racer” (for code completion).
How do I set up Vim for Rust development?
To set up Vim for Rust development, you’ll need to install a few plugins, like:
- rust.vim (for syntax highlighting and indentation)
- vim-cargo (for Cargo integration)
- vim-racer (for code completion)
- ALE (for linting)
Once these plugins are installed, you can configure them according to your preferences and enjoy a more Rust-focused Vim experience.
Are there any Rust-specific IDEs?
There isn’t currently a dedicated Rust-specific IDE, but many popular IDEs and text editors offer excellent Rust support through plugins and extensions, like IntelliJ Rust (for IntelliJ IDEA), rust-analyzer (for Visual Studio Code), and Rust Enhanced (for Sublime Text).
Can I use online IDEs for Rust development?
Yes, you can use online IDEs for Rust development. Some popular options include:
- Replit
- Gitpod
- SourceLair
These platforms allow you to create, edit, and test Rust code directly in your web browser, making them a convenient option making them a convenient option for those who prefer not to install and configure a local development environment. Most online IDEs also provide essential features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and error checking.
However, keep in mind that online IDEs might not offer the same level of performance and customizability as a dedicated desktop IDE, and you’ll need a stable internet connection to use them effectively.
Conclusion on the best IDE for Rust
You may develop and compile your code in Rust using a variety of IDEs. The compilation of the 11 top Rust IDEs above, which also includes plugins and extensions like rust-analyzer and error lens that enable other non-supporting text editors to read and display Rust code, should make it simpler to make a decision now.
Syntax highlighting (coloring of the code) and auto-completion are two things that a top-notch Rust IDE must excel at. The most effective Rust IDE makes setting up the working environment simple and increases productivity.
There are also many different IDEs with a variety of capabilities that can undoubtedly aid you in your development endeavors.
If you liked this article about the best IDE for Rust, you should check out this article about the best IDE for Golang.
There are also similar articles discussing the best IDE for Linux, the best IDE for PHP, the best IDE for Ruby, and the best IDE for Scala.
And let’s not forget about articles on the best IDE for TypeScript, the best IDE for Angular, the best IDE for React, and the best IDE for Android.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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