Best Rust IDEs and Code Editors
Rust as a traditional programming language might be difficult to learn and code, but, with the best IDE for Rust, you can easily pass the hurdles of developing Rust Code.
This article lets you find which IDE is best for Rust. It also gives you details on the best Rust IDE for Windows and the best Rust IDE for Mac.
10 Best Rust IDEs and Code Editors – Overview
Here’s an overview of the 10 best Rust IDEs and Code Editors:
| S.No. | IDE Name | License Type | Platform Compatibility | Version Control Integration | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visual Studio Code | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 2 | IntelliJ IDEA | Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 3 | Atom | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 4 | CLion | Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 5 | Eclipse | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 6 | Visual Studio | Free/Paid | Windows | Yes | Download |
| 7 | Replit IDE | Free/Paid | Web-based | Yes | Download |
| 8 | Spacemacs | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 9 | Sublime Text | Free trial/Paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
| 10 | GNU Emacs | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Download |
Top 10 Rust IDEs for Developers
Below are the top 10 Rust IDEs for developers:
1. Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a lightweight but powerful source code editor developed by Microsoft.
It offers students a flexible coding environment with support for debugging, task running, and version control, helping them to write cleaner and more efficient code.
License Type: Free/Open-Source
Supported Programming Languages:
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- Python
- Rust
- PHP
- C++
- C#
- Java
- Go
- Ruby
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Clean, user-friendly interface
- Customizable layout and themes
Customization Options:
- Extensive library of extensions
- Themes and icon packs
- Configurable settings for personalized coding experience
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Color-coded syntax highlighting
- Bracket matching and visual indentation guides
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- In-line debugging
- Conditional breakpoints
- Call stack navigation
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Large and active community
- Extensive documentation and forums
2. IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is a comprehensive IDE from JetBrains, optimized for Rust with the IntelliJ Rust plugin.
It offers students advanced code navigation and refactoring tools designed to improve productivity and code quality.
License Type: Paid (Free Community Edition available)
Supported Programming Languages:
- Rust (with plugin)
- Java
- Kotlin
- Scala
- Groovy
- Java
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Intuitive, well-organized interface
- Responsive and supports high-resolution displays
Customization Options:
- Customizable keymaps and workspace layouts
- Theme and font adjustments
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Sophisticated syntax highlighting
- Inline type information and error analysis
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Seamless integration with cargo test
- Debugging with breakpoints and variable watches
- Supports conditional breakpoints
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Large developer community
- Professional support from JetBrains
3. Atom
Atom is an open-source and highly customizable text editor created by GitHub, enhanced with packages such as ide-rust for Rust language support.
It offers students a flexible and user-friendly interface that supports a wide range of programming activities.
License Type: Free/Open-Source
Supported Programming Languages:
- Rust (with ide-rust package)
- JavaScript
- HTML
- CSS
- Python
- PHP
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Modern, customizable interface
- Supports split editing and multiple panes
Customization Options:
- Thousands of open-source packages for extended functionality
- Customizable themes and keybindings
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Customizable syntax highlighting for easier code navigation
- Visible indent guides and bracket-matching
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Requires additional packages for debugging
- Support for breakpoints and inline error messages
- Integrates with external debugging tools
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Extensive community-contributed packages and themes
- Active community forums and extensive documentation
4. CLion
CLion is a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) from JetBrains that supports Rust through its official plugin.
It provides students with sophisticated debugging tools and intelligent coding assistance, enhancing both learning and development efficiency.
License Type: Paid (Free for students with educational licenses)
Supported Programming Languages:
- Rust (with official plugin)
- C
- C++
- Python (with plugin)
- Kotlin (with plugin)
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Sleek, user-friendly interface
- Customizable editor layout and tool-windows
Customization Options:
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for adding functionality
- Customizable themes and editor schemes
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting for better code readability
- Code analysis with quick fixes
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Integrated debugger for Rust, C, and C++
- Conditional breakpoints, expression evaluation
- Memory and performance profiling tools
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Strong community presence with active forums
- Professional support and regular updates from JetBrains
5. Eclipse
Eclipse IDE is a well-established, versatile development environment that supports Rust through the use of various plugins like “RustDT” or “Corrosion”.
It offers students an open-source platform with robust tools for complex projects and language integrations.
License Type: Free/Open-Source
Supported Programming Languages:
- Rust (with plugins like Corrosion)
- Java
- C/C++
- Python
- PHP
- JavaScript
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Flexible and customizable interface
- Multi-view and multi-language editing support
Customization Options:
- Extensive marketplace of plugins and add-ons
- Fully customizable themes and layouts
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Configurable syntax highlighting for improved code clarity
- Real-time syntax checking and error visualization
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Powerful debugging with support for remote debugging
- Integrated console for output and command execution
- Stack trace analysis and variable inspection
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Large, active community contributing to a vast range of plugins
- Extensive documentation and user forums
6. Visual Studio
Visual Studio is a feature-rich Integrated Development Environment (IDE) from Microsoft.
This setup provides students with a robust development environment renowned for its powerful debugging tools and extensive integration capabilities.
License Type: Free (Community Edition) / Paid (Professional and Enterprise Editions)
Supported Programming Languages:
- Rust (with extensions)
- C#
- C++
- JavaScript
- Python
- Visual Basic
- F#
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
User Interface and Experience:
- Highly customizable, feature-rich interface
- Integrated support for both dark and light themes
Customization Options:
- A wide range of extensions is available through Visual Studio Marketplace
- Customizable code snippets, key bindings, and UI elements
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting tailored to various programming languages
- Visual aids for code structure and navigation
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Sophisticated debugging tools, including conditional breakpoints and live code analysis
- Visual debugging tools for memory and performance profiling
- Integrated testing tools to automate unit and integration tests
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Extensive support through official Microsoft documentation and community forums
- Regular updates and enhancements from Microsoft
7. Replit IDE
Replit IDE is an online integrated development environment that supports collaborative coding directly in a web browser.
It’s particularly beneficial for students as it simplifies setup processes and allows for instant sharing and live collaboration on code projects across multiple programming languages.
License Type: Free (Basic features) / Paid (Hacker plan for additional features)
Supported Programming Languages:
- Rust
- Python
- JavaScript
- HTML/CSS
- Java
- C++
Platform Compatibility:
- Web-based (accessible on any device with a web browser)
User Interface and Experience:
- Simple, clean interface ideal for beginners and educational purposes
- Real-time collaboration features with multi-user live editing
Customization Options:
- Theme customization (dark and light mode)
- Configurable editor settings like font size and key bindings
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Automatic syntax highlighting for numerous programming languages
- Code folding and bracket matching for easier code navigation
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Basic debugging tools with breakpoints and console output
- Integrated error logs and real-time linting
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Active community forums and extensive documentation
- Regular educational challenges and tutorials
8. Spacemacs
Spacemacs is a community-driven Emacs distribution that combines the simplicity of Emacs and the efficiency of Vim.
It’s highly customizable and supports Rust through layers that integrate existing Emacs and Vim packages.
License Type: Free/Open-Source
Supported Programming Languages:
- Rust (with Rust layer)
- Python
- JavaScript
- C/C++
- Java
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Modal interface, blending Vim and Emacs features
- Highly keyboard-centric, suitable for efficient code navigation and editing
Customization Options:
- Extensive customization through layers and configuration files
- User-configurable key bindings and commands
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Robust syntax highlighting adaptable to various languages and themes
- Code folding and structured display for better code management
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Debugger integration available through specific layers
- Supports external debugging tools depending on configuration
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- A strong and active community providing support through forums and chat channels
- Extensive documentation available online
9. Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a popular, lightweight code editor known for its speed, ease of use, and flexibility.
It supports Rust development through various plugins and extensions, making it a favorite among students for its simplicity and powerful performance.
License Type: Free trial / Paid for continued use
Supported Programming Languages:
- Rust (with plugins like Rust Enhanced)
- Python
- JavaScript
- HTML/CSS
- PHP
- Java
- C++
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- Minimalistic, distraction-free interface
- Extremely fast and responsive, even with large files
Customization Options:
- Highly customizable with a wide range of plugins available via Package Control
- Themeable with various color schemes
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Advanced syntax highlighting customizable for different languages
- Visual guidelines for indentation and bracket matching
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Limited native debugging tools
- Require additional plugins for enhanced functionality
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Large user base with an active community forum
- Extensive plugin ecosystem supported by the community
10. GNU Emacs
GNU Emacs is an extensible, customizable text editor with a powerful ecosystem. It’s especially popular among developers who prefer a highly configurable environment.
Emacs can be enhanced with various packages to support Rust programming, offering a deep level of customization.
License Type: Free/Open-Source
Supported Programming Languages:
- Rust (with packages like rust-mode and cargo.el)
- C/C++
- Python
- JavaScript
- Java
- Lisp (and its variants)
Platform Compatibility:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
User Interface and Experience:
- The highly customizable interface can be entirely driven by the keyboard
- Text-based but supports GUI elements through the Emacs window system
Customization Options:
- Nearly limitless customization via Emacs Lisp
- An extensive set of plugins available for virtually any development need
Syntax Highlighting and Visualization:
- Customizable syntax highlighting for various programming languages
- Supports features like code folding, and project navigation.
Code Autocompletion: Yes
Integrated Debugging Tools:
- Integrates with various debuggers (like GDB) through specific packages
- Support for interactive code evaluation and REPLs for some languages
Version Control Integration: Yes
Community and Support:
- Extensive and knowledgeable community
- Comprehensive online documentation and a multitude of tutorials and guides
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some of the best free Rust IDEs and code editors available?
Some of the best free Rust IDEs and code editors available:
- Visual Studio Code with the Rust plugin
- IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition with the Rust plugin
- Atom with the Rust language package
2. What are the key features to look for in the best Rust IDEs and code editors?
The key features to look for in the best Rust IDEs and code editors are syntax highlighting, code completion, powerful debugging tools, and integration with cargo, Rust’s package manager.
3. What is the key difference between Rust IDE and Code Editor?
The key difference between Rust IDE and Code Editor is that a Rust IDE offers comprehensive development tools like build automation, debugging, and dependency management, while a code editor is lighter, focusing on code editing and syntax highlighting.]
4. Which Rust IDEs have strong community support and reliable customer service?
IntelliJ IDEA and Visual Studio Code have strong community support and reliable customer service.
5. What tools are available in Rust IDEs for debugging code?
Tools available in Rust IDEs for debugging code include graphical debuggers, console-based debuggers like GDB or LLDB integration, and inline error displays.
6. What Rust IDEs have the best integration with version control systems like Git?
Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ IDEA have the best integration with version control systems like Git.
Wrapping Up
With all these options available, choose the best and most efficient IDE that can help you in the development and as well as in debugging of the code.
Make a strategic choice of the tool, so that it remains your coding companion forever!
Explore More Rust Resources
Explore More IDEs
Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education
Thirumoorthy serves as a teacher and coach. He obtained a 99 percentile on the CAT. He cleared numerous IT jobs and public sector job interviews, but he still decided to pursue a career in education. He desires to elevate the underprivileged sections of society through education
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