MonoDevelop: A Versatile IDE for Cross-Platform Development

Peter Salakani

MonoDevelop offers a powerful integrated development environment for building applications across various platforms, enhancing productivity for developers with its robust features and usability.
2025 Editor's Rating

MonoDevelop Review

MonoDevelop is a cross-platform integrated development environment (IDE) primarily aimed at developers who want to create applications using the Mono framework. Developed by Novell under the ActiveX Controls for Novell Services initiative, MonoDevelop is designed to facilitate a range of programming tasks, from web applications to desktop software. This review delves into the core features, usability, and overall performance of MonoDevelop.

Core Features

The following core functionalities make MonoDevelop a robust IDE for developers:

  • Cross-Platform Support: MonoDevelop provides support for Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows, allowing developers to create applications in a consistent environment across different operating systems.
  • C# and VB.NET Support: The IDE features comprehensive support for C# and VB.NET, including code completion, debugging, and refactoring tools that enhance developer productivity.
  • Integrated Debugging: MonoDevelop includes a powerful debugging feature that allows developers to debug their applications easily without needing additional tools. This feature supports breakpoints, variable inspection, and step completion, which can significantly reduce development time.
  • Project Management: It provides an intuitive project management system that helps maintain project organization. Developers can easily manage files within the project directory and keep track of dependencies.
  • Rich Editing Environment: MonoDevelop boasts an advanced text editor with syntax highlighting for multiple languages. Its multi-line editing capability also makes it easier to make changes across different areas of the codebase.
  • Version Control Integration: It supports integration with version control systems such as Git and Subversion, facilitating collaboration among team members working on the same codebase.
  • Extensibility: MonoDevelop is highly extensible. Developers can add new features via plug-ins or modify existing ones to suit specific needs efficiently.

User Interface and Usability

The user interface of MonoDevelop strikes a balance between being feature-rich and user-friendly. Key elements of usability include:

  • Customizable Layout: Users can rearrange the user interface components according to their preferences, enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • Navigational Tools: The IDE offers excellent navigation tools such as Go to Definition and Find References features that help streamline code navigation.
  • Error Marking: Code errors are visually highlighted within the editor, allowing users to spot issues quickly. This aids in maintaining clean code throughout development.

Performance

When it comes to performance, MonoDevelop generally demonstrates reliability across various computing resources. Nonetheless, some points are worth mentioning:

  • Resource Usage: MonoDevelop has a moderate footprint in terms of system resources, which means it can function well on systems with limited hardware capabilities.
  • Compilation Speed: The IDE compiles code efficiently, although some users report that compilation can become slower in larger projects with complex dependencies.
  • Error Reporting: Real-time error detection ensures that problems are flagged as they occur, allowing developers to rectify issues during coding immediately.

Community and Support

An active community backs MonoDevelop, providing resources for both new and experienced developers. Various channels are available for support:

  • Official Documentation: Comprehensive documentation provides detailed guides on installation, configuration, and usage of MonoDevelop features.
  • User Forums: The forums allow users to post questions and exchange knowledge with other community members and developers.
  • Tutorials and Blogs: Many tutorials exist online that cater to specific functionalities within MonoDevelop. Community-generated blogs also offer tips and tricks for effective use of the IDE.

Comparison with Other IDEs

When compared to other IDEs like Visual Studio or JetBrains Rider, MonoDevelop distinguishes itself in a few key areas:

  • Simplicity vs Complexity: While Visual Studio offers extensive capabilities that may overwhelm beginners, MonoDevelop focuses on essential features without sacrificing functionality.
  • Cross-platform Capability: Unlike some IDEs that are limited to one OS environment (e.g., Visual Studio primarily for Windows), MonoDevelop's cross-platform nature enhances its appeal to diverse developers.
  • COST: Being open-source software makes MonoDevelop an attractive choice for developers seeking a no-cost alternative to other paid IDEs.

The integration of countless essential features along with an intuitive user interface makes MonoDevelop a practical choice for developers working within the Mono framework. Its cross-platform support ensures accessibility across different OS environments while providing necessary tools for projects ranging from web applications to complex desktop software solutions. With ongoing community support and updates from Novell's ActiveX Controls initiative, MonoDevelop stands as a capable IDE worth considering in today's competitive software development landscape.

Overview

MonoDevelop is a Freeware software in the category Development developed by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services (Core Comp) Software.

The latest version of MonoDevelop is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 01/05/2010.

MonoDevelop runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

MonoDevelop has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

  • Cross-platform support, allows development on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Integrates with version control systems like Git and Subversion
  • Built-in support for multiple programming languages including C#, Visual Basic, and F#
  • Code completion and debugging tools help streamline development process
  • Supports Unity game development
  • Extensible through plugins for additional functionality

Cons

  • Can be resource intensive, especially when working with larger projects
  • Some users may find the interface to be less intuitive compared to other IDEs
  • Limited support for web development compared to specialized IDEs like Visual Studio or WebStorm
  • Occasional stability issues reported by users

FAQ

What is MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software?

MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software is an integrated development environment that allows for creating applications using the Mono framework, with support for ActiveX controls and Novell services functionality.

What platforms are supported by MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software?

MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software supports Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

Is MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software free to use?

Yes, MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software is available as free and open-source software.

Can MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software be used for commercial projects?

Yes, MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software can be used for commercial projects under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL).

Does MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software have debugging capabilities?

Yes, MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software offers debugging tools to help developers identify and fix issues in their applications.

Can I customize the user interface of MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software?

Yes, developers can customize the user interface of MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software to suit their preferences and workflow.

Does MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software provide integration with version control systems?

Yes, MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software supports integration with popular version control systems like Git, SVN, and Mercurial.

Is there a community or support forum available for MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software users?

Yes, there are online communities and forums where users of MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software can seek help, share knowledge, and collaborate with others.

Can I extend the functionality of MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software through plugins?

Yes, developers can extend the functionality of MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services software through plugins that add new features and tools.

Does MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services offer support for building cross-platform applications?

Yes, MonoDevelop by ActiveX Controls for Novell Services provides tools and features that support building applications that can run on multiple platforms.


Peter Salakani

Peter Salakani

I'm Peter, a software reviews author at UpdateStar and content specialist with a keen focus on usability and performance. With a background in both software development and content creation, I bring a unique perspective to evaluating and discussing general software topics. When I'm not reviewing software, I enjoy staying updated on the latest tech trends, experimenting with new applications, and finding innovative solutions to everyday tech challenges.

Latest Reviews by Peter Salakani

Download not yet available. Please add one.

Stay up-to-date
with UpdateStar freeware.

Latest Reviews

MatheGrafix MatheGrafix
MatheGrafix: Revolutionizing Math Visualization
Tavoletta Wacom Tavoletta Wacom
Elevate Your Creativity with Wacom's Tavoletta
CS 3D Imaging Light CS 3D Imaging Light
Transform Your Imaging Experience with CS 3D Imaging Light
W WeiyunApp
WeiyunApp: Efficient Cloud Storage from Tencent
115生活 115生活
Streamline Your Daily Life with 115生活
P Prima Cartoonizer versión
Transform Your Photos into Cartoons with Prima Cartoonizer!
UpdateStar Premium Edition UpdateStar Premium Edition
Keeping Your Software Updated Has Never Been Easier with UpdateStar Premium Edition!
Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge
A New Standard in Web Browsing
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package
Boost your system performance with Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package!
Google Chrome Google Chrome
Fast and Versatile Web Browser
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable
Essential Component for Running Visual C++ Applications
Microsoft OneDrive Microsoft OneDrive
Streamline Your File Management with Microsoft OneDrive

Latest Updates


Foto Paradies 4.51.0.1671

A Hidden Gem for Photo Enthusiasts

Communications Middleware 1.35.3

Seamless Connectivity with Communications Middleware by OMRON

TubeDigger 7.8.5

TubeDigger: Simplify Your Video Downloading Experience

RecMaster 2.2.1078.247

RecMaster: Your Go-To Tool for Flawless Screen Recording

REALTEK Wireless LAN and Bluetooth Driver 23.22.324.411

Enhance Your Wireless Connectivity with REALTEK Driver