How to migrate to RustRover from another JetBrains IDE
Last modified: 08 April 2024
In case you have been using another JetBrains IDE in pair with the IntelliJ Rust plugin, we have good news for you – RustRover will automatically migrate your workspace. This way, you can continue working on your projects seamlessly, with the same settings in place, but in an enhanced environment that has been tailored to better accommodate your needs.
If you’re looking for an overview of the features you get with RustRover, check out the RustRover product page.
What do RustRover and other JetBrains IDEs have in common?
Most of the time, your experience with RustRover should be similar to what you’ve had with other JetBrains IDEs. Here are the things that work and look the same across all of our IDEs:
Key bindings – JetBrains IDEs use the same set of keymaps, so you won’t need to memorize all the shortcuts from scratch. If you have a custom keymap, you can transfer it to RustRover.
User interface – All JetBrains IDEs have a similar look and feel, as they inherit their UIs from the IntelliJ Platform. There may be some customizations that are specific to a given IDE and its target audience, but these are usually minor.
Integrated developer tools – Much of the built-in functionality works the same way across all JetBrains IDEs. This includes version control integration, the terminal, features for collaborative development, TODOs, Docker, and more.
Features for JavaScript, TypeScript, and related technologies – Like RustRover, IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate, PhpStorm, PyCharm Pro, GoLand, Rider, RubyMine, and CLion include features for JavaScript development. For all of them, those features are the same and are available either out of the box or via free plugins.
How does RustRover differ from other JetBrains IDEs?
Here are some general differences between RustRover and other JetBrains IDEs you may have been using in pair with the IntelliJ Rust plugin:
IntelliJ IDEA Community
CLion or IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate
Built-in support for Rust – Unlike IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition, RustRover comes with built-it support for Rust. This way, all the necessary tooling, including coding assistance, Cargo support, the LLDB debugger (and anticipated GDB), is available out of the box.
A more refined feature set – RustRover specializes in Rust and its feature set is designed to be just right for Rust coding. There will be no Java tools getting in your way.
A full-featured Rust IDE – While keeping the feature set clean and refined, we made sure RustRover offers all the essentials for modern-day development. In addition to IntelliJ IDEA Community features, you will find support for database tools and SQL, web frameworks, remote development, the HTTP Client, and more.
Built-in support for Rust – Unlike CLion or IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate, RustRover comes with built-it support for Rust. Coding assistance, Cargo support, the LLDB debugger (and anticipated GDB) – all the necessary tooling is available out of the box.
A more refined feature set – RustRover specializes in Rust and its feature set is designed to be just right for Rust coding. There will be no C++ or Java tools getting in your way.
Migrating to RustRover
The best thing about migrating from another JetBrains IDE is that it requires zero effort. When you launch RustRover for the first time, it automatically detects the JetBrains IDE you have been using for Rust before and replicates its settings and projects.
tip
To determine the right IDE, RustRover looks for an IntelliJ Rust plugin installation. If it finds multiple IDEs with this plugin, it automatically chooses the one you last used.
note
In case automatic import fails, you will be suggested to specify the settings file manually.
To obtain such a file, export settings in the IDE you're migrating from.
After migration is complete, RustRover opens the Welcome screen with a list of Rust projects you recently worked on in the previous IDE. Simply select any project and resume the work.
note
If you don't want any data to be migrated and prefer a clean RustRover installation, select File | Manage IDE Settings | Restore Default Settings and confirm the action in the dialog.
General tips and tricks
Check the keymap you’re using
To make sure you’re using the right keymap configuration, you can check what keymap you have set as the default in Settings | Keymap. If you have a customized keymap that you are already used to, you can transfer it to your installation.
See this section to learn more about configuring shortcuts.
Install the Toolbox App
Install our free Toolbox App if you’re planning to use several JetBrains IDEs. This will allow you to manage them all from the same place. You can install the Toolbox App from our website.
Get to know RustRover better
For a general overview of the features RustRover offers, check out this page or watch the video below.
How to get support
You can always get in touch with our support team if you get stuck. To submit a new ticket, select Help | Contact Support from RustRover’s main menu. To report a bug or ask for a new feature, create a new issue here.
