3.3 IDE and Editor Support

Although you can write Rust code in any text editor, many developers prefer specialized editors or integrated development environments (IDEs) that offer features tailored to Rust. At a minimum, most modern text editors provide syntax highlighting for Rust code, improving readability.

More advanced editors and IDEs integrate with rust-analyzer, a powerful language server that provides code completion, real-time error checking, inline type information, and refactoring tools—making Rust development more efficient.

3.3.1 Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most widely used code editors, supporting numerous programming languages, including Rust. With the rust-analyzer extension installed, it offers intelligent code completion, syntax highlighting, error diagnostics, and integrated debugging. Additionally, VS Code provides extensive customization options through extensions, making it a versatile choice for Rust development.

For more information, visit VS Code Rust Support.

3.3.2 Zed Editor

Zed is a modern, Rust-based text editor designed for speed, collaboration, and AI-assisted coding. It features a clean graphical user interface, multi-cursor support, and deep integration with rust-analyzer. Zed is now open-source and aims to provide a high-performance experience for developers working with Rust and other languages.

For more details, see Zed Editor.

3.3.3 Lapce Editor

Lapce is another Rust-powered text editor focused on speed and extensibility. It offers similar features to Zed, including an intuitive user interface, efficient rendering, and seamless integration with Rust development tools. Lapce is designed to be lightweight yet powerful, making it an appealing option for developers seeking a modern alternative to traditional editors.

Learn more at Lapce.

3.3.4 Helix Editor

Helix is a terminal-based, modal editor written in Rust, inspired by Vim and Kakoune. It features a unique selection-based editing model, powerful text manipulation capabilities, and full keyboard-driven navigation. Helix also integrates with rust-analyzer, providing automatic formatting, symbol search, and contextual code actions. Its design focuses on efficiency, making it a solid choice for developers who prefer keyboard-driven workflows.

For further details, visit Helix Editor.

3.3.5 RustRover

JetBrains offers RustRover, a dedicated integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed for Rust development. RustRover provides comprehensive features such as intelligent code completion, real-time error checking, integrated debugging, and seamless integration with popular Rust frameworks and tools. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Unlike some other JetBrains products, RustRover does not have a free community edition. It is proprietary software requiring a paid license for commercial use. However, JetBrains offers a free license for individual, non-commercial use, allowing hobbyists and learners to leverage the full capabilities of RustRover at no cost. For commercial purposes, a subscription to JetBrains’ All Products Pack, which includes RustRover and other tools, is necessary.

For more information and to download RustRover, visit the official website:

RustRover by JetBrains

3.3.6 Other Editors and IDEs

In addition to the editors listed above, Rust development is also well-supported in other popular editors and IDEs:

  • Neovim/Vim: With plugins like rust.vim and coc-rust-analyzer, Neovim and Vim users can access rust-analyzer features in a lightweight, customizable environment.
  • JetBrains CLion: Offers comprehensive Rust support through an official plugin, including intelligent code analysis, navigation, and refactoring tools.
  • Emacs: With the rust-mode and either eglot or lsp-mode plugins, Emacs users can integrate Rust support into their workflow.
  • Sublime Text: Provides Rust syntax highlighting and can be enhanced with LSP plugins for advanced features.

Each of these editors and IDEs caters to different preferences, from GUI-based environments to terminal-focused workflows, giving Rust developers the freedom to choose the tool that best suits their needs.