JetBrains, the renowned software development company, has announced a significant change to its licensing model forRider, its popular cross-platform .NET IDE. Effective immediately, Rider is now free for non-commercial use, opening up a world of possibilities for developers, students, and hobbyists alike.
This move comes as a welcome surprise to the developer community, who have long lauded Rider for its powerful features anduser-friendly interface. Previously, Rider required a paid subscription, limiting its accessibility to those with commercial budgets. Now, anyone can utilize Rider for projects like learning, open-source development, content creation, and personal projects, without any financial constraints.
To activate the new non-commercial subscription, users need to install Rider and select the non-commercial option during the initial setup. This requires logging in with an existing JetBrains account or creating a new one. The non-commercial license isperpetual, meaning users can enjoy uninterrupted access to Rider for their non-commercial endeavors.
However, the free license comes with a caveat. JetBrains clarifies that any project intended for commercial release, whether now or in the future, requires a paid commercial license. This raises questions about the grey area of projects that start asnon-commercial but later gain traction and transition to a commercial model.
In response to such scenarios, JetBrains emphasizes that users must reassess their license status if their project’s goals shift from non-commercial to commercial. This policy aims to ensure fair use of the software while also protecting the company’sbusiness model.
The community response to this announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Developers are excited about the potential impact of this change, particularly for those working on open-source projects or creating educational content.
Matt Eland, a Microsoft AI and .NET MVP, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that this change alters how I advocate for cross-platform .NET, especially as someone primarily writing .NET books on Linux. He now feels confident recommending Rider as a free, non-commercial tool to his readers.
This move by JetBrains signifies a shift in the software development landscape, making powerful tools like Rider accessible to a wider audience. While the commercial license remains for those seeking professional features and support, this new free license opens doors for aspiring developers and fosters a more inclusive environment for innovation.
References:
Views: 0