MonoDevelop

What is MonoDevelop?

MonoDevelop was originally created to bring the Visual Studio experience to Linux, using the Mono runtime. Over the years it has grown to support C#, F#, VB.NET, and even some cross‑platform mobile projects via Xamarin. The project is maintained by a small but active community.

It targets developers who need a full IDE for .NET languages without leaving the Linux desktop. It offers code completion, debugging, project templates, and integration with Git.

Compared to JetBrains Rider, MonoDevelop feels lighter and more native to Linux, but it lacks some of Rider’s advanced refactoring and UI polish. It works well for small to medium projects and for those who prefer a free, open‑source solution.

Best for: Developers looking for a free, Linux‑native IDE for .NET and Xamarin projects.

Key features of MonoDevelop

• C# / .NET Core support
• Xamarin mobile project templates
• Integrated debugger
• Git integration
• Project templates for ASP.NET, Console, and Xamarin
• Code completion and refactoring
• Cross‑platform build system

Tips for Windows users

When moving from Rider, keep in mind that MonoDevelop uses .csproj files directly, so project files are compatible. Keyboard shortcuts differ: for example, Ctrl+Shift+F in Rider becomes Ctrl+Shift+R in MonoDevelop for Find in Files. The debugging workflow is similar, but you may need to set up the .NET SDK path manually in the IDE settings. File formats remain the same, so your source code and resources stay intact.