JetBrains, a software development tool creator, has introduced a new Integrated Development Environment (IDE) specifically tailored for the Rust programming language. Named RustRover, this fresh IDE amalgamates sophisticated coding support with an integrated toolchain, empowering Rust developers to construct applications and services with increased efficiency.
Rust embodies traits of type safety, speed, and concurrency. It stands as a system-level language aimed at ensuring memory safety, facilitating the seamless integration of hardware and software in code design and writing. Originating from Graydon Hoare at Mozilla Research around 2006, Rust saw its first stable release, Rust 1.0, announced in May 2015.
JetBrains’ RustRover offers customised features, allowing Rust developers to capitalise on the language’s strengths while mitigating its complexities. These features encompass real-time feedback, intelligent code suggestions, simplified toolchain administration, and collaborative team functionalities. The IDE facilitates swift error detection through on-the-fly analysis and augments code comprehension with valuable insights. The support for Rust toolchains and VCS integration fosters a more adaptable and cooperative coding environment, according to the company.
Rust’s popularity has steadily increased in recent years, earning its users the moniker “Rustaceans.” Crucially, the Rust Foundation, an independent non-profit entity, plays a pivotal role in nurturing the Rust ecosystem and supporting the team of maintainers governing the project.
Evidence of Rust’s burgeoning popularity emerged in a Stack Overflow developer survey conducted last year. Among over 70,000 developers participating in the survey, 87% expressed a desire to continue using Rust, labelling it as one of “the most loved” languages. There are estimates suggesting a count of 2.8 million Rust developers presently.
Based in Prague, JetBrains develops various IDEs, including the widely-used IntelliJ IDEA for Java developers and PyCharm for Python enthusiasts. The company also created Kotlin, a popular cross-platform, statically typed, general-purpose high-level programming language incorporating type inference. JetBrains conducted its own survey of Rust users.
Vitaly Bragilevsky, Developer Advocate of RustRover, stated, “With RustRover, we are addressing the evolving needs of developers in a market that is rapidly developing. We are witnessing a surge in the Rust ecosystem; 56% of developers we surveyed have started adopting Rust in the last 6 months. By combining advanced coding support and integrated toolchain capabilities, our IDE enables developers to navigate this growing landscape more efficiently and contribute to the thriving Rust community.”
Previously, the company developed an open-source Rust plugin named IntelliJ Rust for its IntelliJ IDE. By offering an IDE, the company aims to enhance functionality for the burgeoning Rust community.
RustRover is presently available in the EAP for free. Additionally, a plugin version compatible with IDEA Ultimate and CLion is offered.
