RustRover is JetBrains' language-specific IDE built purpose-first for Rust, currently around #22 in real-world usage (roughly 3.2% share). It's JetBrains' newest IDE, aimed at Rust developers who want IDE-grade refactoring and borrow-checker-aware navigation beyond what an editor-plus-plugin setup typically offers.
📌 Quick facts
Type: IDE
Made by: JetBrains
License: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Primary use case: Rust systems programming
Key features
- Deep borrow-checker- and lifetime-aware static analysis for catching ownership errors early
- Integrated Cargo support — build, test, run, and manage dependencies without leaving the IDE
- Rust-specific refactoring tools (rename, extract, inline) that respect ownership and lifetime rules
- Built-in debugger with native Rust support and variable inspection
- Smart code completion combining JetBrains' own Rust engine alongside rust-analyzer
- Integrated version control, remote development, and WSL/Docker support
Getting started
# 1. Install the JetBrains Toolbox App from jetbrains.com/toolbox
# 2. Use it to install RustRover
# 3. Open (or create) a Cargo project — RustRover detects Cargo.toml automatically
🎯 Best for: Rust developers who want IDE-grade refactoring, deep borrow-checker feedback, and integrated Cargo tooling — a step up from a general editor plus the rust-analyzer plugin alone.