JetBrains Rider is a cross-platform .NET IDE developed by JetBrains, the company behind other popular tools like IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, and WebStorm. Rider merges the functionality of ReSharper, JetBrains’ renowned .NET plugin for Visual Studio, with the IntelliJ platform. As a result, Rider offers an impressive IDE experience for developers focusing on .NET projects, but with the versatility and extended capabilities inherent to JetBrains’ ecosystem.
Intro to JetBrains Rider
JetBrains Rider is a cross-platform integrated development environment (IDE) tailored for .NET development, created from the combination of JetBrains’ ReSharper tool for .NET and the IntelliJ platform. Developed by JetBrains, the company acclaimed for creating tools like IntelliJ IDEA and PyCharm, Rider provides developers a comprehensive suite for crafting applications targeting .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Mono platforms. With its expansive features, from rich code editing to integrated debugging and database tools, Rider stands as a compelling choice for .NET developers desiring a versatile and powerful IDE.
JetBrains Rider Quick Facts
Cross-Platform Support: JetBrains Rider operates seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring consistent development experiences across varying OS environments.
Integrated ReSharper: Rider is built upon the foundation of ReSharper, JetBrains’ popular .NET plugin for Visual Studio, thus inheriting over 2,500 live code inspections, numerous refactorings, and context actions.
Diverse .NET Targeting: Rider supports development for a wide range of .NET platforms, including .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Mono, catering to diverse application types such as web, desktop, cloud, and games.
Database Integration: Rider incorporates database tools from JetBrains’ DataGrip, offering sophisticated SQL editing, execution, and intelligent database utilities directly within the IDE.
Plugin Ecosystem: Since Rider is constructed on the IntelliJ platform, it can utilize a vast range of plugins crafted for other JetBrains IDEs, significantly broadening its functionalities and integration possibilities.
JetBrains Rider Features
Cross-Platform Development: Rider is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Mono-based projects, allowing developers to target a variety of platforms including desktop, web, cloud, mobile, games, and more.
Rich Editing Capabilities: Leveraging the power of ReSharper, Rider provides over 2,500 live code inspections, context actions, and refactorings, enhancing the code quality and developer productivity.
Integrated Debugging: Rider comes with a robust debugger that allows debugging of .NET, Mono, and .NET Core applications. It offers inline values, intuitive variable views, and advanced breakpoint configurations.
Database Tools: JetBrains Rider integrates with the company’s database IDE, DataGrip. This provides developers with intelligent SQL editing, execution, and database tools right inside the Rider environment.
Version Control Integration: Rider provides tools to access Git, Subversion, Mercurial, and other version control systems directly within the IDE, streamlining codebase management and collaboration.
Extensions & Plugins: Being built on the IntelliJ platform, Rider supports a range of plugins designed for other JetBrains IDEs, enhancing its functionality and integration capabilities.
JetBrains Rider Versus Alternative IDEs
The chart below compares the features of JetBrains Rider with its closest alternatives, including Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, and MonoDevelop.
Getting Started with JetBrains Rider
Installation:
Visit the JetBrains official website and download the latest version of Rider suitable for your operating system.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Depending on your OS, this process might slightly differ.
Initial Setup:
Upon the first launch, Rider will prompt you to customize your environment, such as keymaps, color themes, and plugins.
You can also connect your JetBrains account for synchronized settings.
Creating a New Project:
From the welcome screen, select “New Project”.
Choose the desired project type (e.g., ASP.NET Core, Xamarin, Unity, Console Application).
Configure the project settings and click “Create”.
Importing an Existing Project:
On the welcome screen, select “Open” or “Import Project”.
Navigate to the project’s directory and select the solution or project file.
Rider will automatically configure itself based on the project’s settings.
Building & Running:
Once your project is set up, you can build it by clicking “Build” > “Build Solution”.
To run your application, click the green play button or use the corresponding shortcut.
Exploring Rider’s Features:
Familiarize yourself with the Rider interface, its panels, and tool windows.
Explore the different code inspections, refactorings, and context actions by right-clicking on the code sections.
Set breakpoints and use the debugger to step through the code and understand its flow.
Seek Assistance:
For any issues or queries, utilize Rider’s built-in documentation by pressing Ctrl + F1 (or Cmd + F1 on macOS). JetBrains also offers extensive online documentation and community forums to assist with specific problems or questions.
JetBrains Rider combines the power of two major JetBrains products: ReSharper and the IntelliJ platform. For .NET developers seeking a robust, cross-platform IDE that goes beyond the offerings of traditional tools, Rider emerges as an alluring option. It embeds itself seamlessly in the development workflow, bolstering productivity, and ensuring high-quality code delivery.
