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In a major move for systems programming enthusiasts, JetBrains has launched RustRover, a specialized Integrated Development Environment (IDE) crafted exclusively for Rust development. The tool is now available in stable release after an extensive preview period and aims to bring Rust tooling to the same level of sophistication JetBrains is known for with Java, Python, and Kotlin.
Rust has seen explosive growth over the past five years due to its memory safety, concurrency features, and performance. However, tooling for the language has historically lagged behind other ecosystems.
JetBrains, best known for its IntelliJ IDEA platform, recognized the need for an advanced Rust IDE that combines deep code analysis, navigation tools, and smart completion with seamless Cargo and Rustfmt integration.
RustRover was created to address these needs head-on.
Here are some of the standout features that make RustRover a compelling choice for Rust developers:
Native Cargo Integration: Run, test, and manage dependencies directly within the IDE. Cargo commands are embedded in the UI and terminal.
Advanced Code Completion: Intelligent code suggestions based on project context and Rust compiler hints.
Live Error Highlighting: RustRover uses rust-analyzer in tandem with JetBrains' own analysis engine for precise diagnostics and quick-fix suggestions.
Refactoring Support: Safe and context-aware renaming, type change propagation, and extract methods or modules — all within a few clicks.
Testing Tools: Inline test execution and visualization with support for #[test] attributes, quick feedback, and debug options.
Debugging: Full support for LLDB/GDB with integrated variable inspection, breakpoints, and memory views.
Cross-Platform UI: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux — with a unified experience and Git integration built in.
RustRover comes bundled with JetBrains AI Assistant, leveraging generative AI to:
Explain complex code blocks
Generate function templates
Convert pseudocode into real Rust code
Summarize diagnostics or suggest fixes
This assistant uses a blend of JetBrains' proprietary models and integrated OpenAI APIs (optional opt-in).
RustRover supports:
Clippy for linting
Rustfmt for formatting
Bindgen and FFI workflows
WASM target support
Cross-compilation toolchains
These integrations are handled automatically or via guided setup, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced systems programmers.
RustRover is part of JetBrains' paid IDE suite, but free for students and open-source contributors. It also includes a 30-day free trial. The IDE can be installed independently or as a plugin into IntelliJ Ultimate.
JetBrains also hinted that RustRover will eventually gain embedded development tooling, potentially targeting microcontrollers and real-time operating systems.
Rust developers have welcomed the release, noting the significant leap in productivity over traditional editors like VS Code when working on large or complex Rust projects. Early feedback on Rust forums and Reddit suggests that RustRover is helping onboard new developers faster by offering real-time feedback, error detection, and intuitive navigation.
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