# JetBrains Rider Free for Non-Commercial Use: A Revolutionary Change for Developers
In a major development that is poised to transform the landscape of integrated development environments (IDEs), JetBrains has unveiled that its well-received IDE, **Rider**, is now accessible at no cost for non-commercial purposes. This is the first instance where Rider, a long-time favorite among specific developer circles, is being provided without a paid license for hobbyists, open-source contributors, students, and educators. This decision follows JetBrains’ successful implementation of similar non-commercial free licenses with other products such as **RustRover** and **Aqua**.
## A Lasting Change, Not a Temporary Offer
JetBrains has emphasized that this is not a short-lived offer or a fleeting promotion. Per a [blog post](https://blog.jetbrains.com/blog/2024/10/24/webstorm-and-rider-are-now-free-for-non-commercial-use/) from Ekaterina Ryabukha, a JetBrains spokesperson, the company recognizes that a considerable number of developers utilize IDEs for non-commercial aims. Whether it’s hobbyists engaged in personal projects, open-source developers aiding community-driven software, or educators and students acquiring programming skills, there’s a substantial part of the developer community that doesn’t strictly require a commercial license.
Indeed, a **Stack Overflow survey** referenced in the blog post indicates that **68 percent of professional developers engage in coding outside of work as a hobby**. This figure highlights the necessity of providing tools that cater to non-commercial developers, many of whom contribute to the open-source ecosystem or enhance their skills during their leisure time.
## Addressing the Gap Left by Visual Studio on macOS
One of the most significant consequences of this announcement is for **macOS developers**. Recently, Microsoft controversially decided to discontinue support for **Visual Studio** on macOS, leaving numerous developers in search of substitutes. Though **VS Code** and **Xcode** still exist, they don’t always fulfill the requirements of all developers, especially those working on specific projects that necessitate more advanced features.
JetBrains Rider, renowned for its deep integration with the .NET ecosystem and its compatibility with multiple languages, is poised to bridge this void. By offering Rider for free for non-commercial use, JetBrains is presenting macOS developers with a strong alternative to Visual Studio, particularly for those who have found **VS Code** inadequate in particular aspects.
## The Appeal of Rider Among Users
While Rider has historically occupied a somewhat niche position compared to other IDEs like **Visual Studio**, **IntelliJ IDEA**, or **VS Code**, it has developed a dedicated user base. Rider is especially favored by developers focusing on **.NET**, **C#**, and **Unity**, owing to its extensive feature set, swift performance, and cross-platform capabilities.
Some of the standout features that set Rider apart include:
– **Cross-platform compatibility**: Rider operates on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a flexible choice for developers across various operating systems.
– **Strong integration with .NET**: Rider provides extensive support for .NET development, featuring capabilities like code analysis, refactoring, and debugging.
– **Support for various programming languages**: Beyond .NET languages, Rider accommodates a broad spectrum of programming languages, including **JavaScript**, **TypeScript**, **HTML**, **CSS**, **SQL**, and others.
– **Speed and efficiency**: Rider is recognized for its quick startup times and minimal memory consumption, appealing to developers in need of a lightweight yet robust IDE.
By offering Rider for free for non-commercial purposes, JetBrains is likely to attract a wider audience, including those learning who may later become professional developers. This could result in increased long-term acceptance of Rider, as developers who begin with it during their educational journey may continue to utilize it in their professional futures.
## The Caveat: Anonymous Usage Data Collection
While the free non-commercial license for Rider is undoubtedly advantageous for many developers, there is one stipulation that some users might find worrisome: **users with the free license cannot decline the collection of anonymous usage data**. JetBrains has not furnished specific details regarding the data collected, but it is prevalent for software companies to accumulate information about product usage to enhance performance and user experience.
For a segment of developers, particularly those concerned about privacy, this could be a major drawback. Nevertheless, for many others, the trade-off might be acceptable, especially considering the steep costs associated with commercial IDE licenses.
## Navigating the Ambiguities of Non-Commercial Use
One potential hurdle with the free non-commercial license is identifying when a project transitions from non-commercial to commercial status. Many initiatives that commence as hobbies or open-source contributions may ultimately transform into commercial endeavors. JetBrains recognizes this gray area and recommends that users reevaluate their eligibility for the free license if their intentions shift over time.
In their blog post
