[c#] What are some alternatives to ReSharper?

I'm considering purchasing a ReSharper license, but are there any possible alternatives to ReSharper and how would you rate these compared to ReSharper?

It doesn't necessarily have to be a free alternative, but I would just like to know how good equivalent products are.

I think that CodeRush has a free, limited version, too. I ended up going with ReSharper, and I still recommend it, even though some of the functionality is in Visual Studio 2010. There are just some things that make it worth it.

Keep in mind that you don't need the full ReSharper license if you only code in one language. I have the C# version, and it's cheaper.

Visual Assist X.

VSCommands - not an alternative per se, but rather a complementary tool with plenty of unique features not available in ReSharper, CodeRush, and JustCode.

From the website:

IDE Enhancements

* Custom Formatting
      o Build Output
      o Debug Output
      o Search Output
* Solution Properties
      o Manage Reference Paths
      o Manage Project Properties
* Apply Fix
      o File being used by another process
      o [StyleCop][2] warnings
      o Importing .pfx key file was cancelled
* Search Online
* Cancel Build When First Project Fails
* Advanced Zooming

Solution Explorer Enhancements

* Prevent Accidental Drag & Drop
* Prevent Accidental Linked Item Delete
* Group / Ungroup Items
* Show Assembly Details
* Build Startup Projects
* Open Command Prompt
* Open PowerShell
* Locate Source File
* Open File Location
* Show / Hide All Files
* Edit Project / Solution File
* Copy / Paste As Link
* Copy / Paste Reference
* Open In Expression Blend
* Collapse All
* Clean All Build Configurations

Debugging Assistance

* Attach To Local IIS
* Debug As Administrator
* Debug As Normal user
* Debug As Different user

Code Assistance

* Create Code Contract

CodeRush. Also, Scott Hanselman has a nice post comparing them, ReSharper vs. CodeRush.

A more up-to-date comparison is in Coderush vs Resharper by Jason Irwin.

There's also JustCode from Telerik.

There is BrockSoft VSAid. This is mainly used for finding files in a solution.

Keep in mind that with Visual Studio 2010 you may not need/want any addon. A lot of the ReSharper features were added into the Visual Studio 2010 core features. ReSharper, CodeRush, etc. have other features above and beyond Visual Studio for sure, but see what's been added vs. what you need. It could be that the core install takes care of what you are interested in now.

I personally use ReSharper 5 still as it has many uses, for me. What each coder finds most important though varies widely. You'll have to test each for yourself, but luckily all the alternatives have trial periods as well.

A comprehensive list:

• CodeRush, by DevExpress. (Considered the main alternative) Either this or ReSharper is the way to go. You cannot go wrong with either. Both have their fans, both are powerful, both have talented teams constantly improving them. We have all benefited from the competition between these two. I won't repeat the many good discussions/comparisons about them that can be found on Stack Overflow and elsewhere. ¹

• JustCode, by Telerik. This is new, still with kinks, but initial reports are positive. An advantage could be liscensing with other Telerik products and integration with them. ¹

• Many of the new Visual Studio 2010 features. See what's been added vs. what you need, it could be that the core install takes care of what you are interested in now.

• Visual Assist X, More than 50 features make Visual Assist X an incredible productivity tool. Pick a category and learn more, or download a free trial and discover them all. ²

• VSCommands, VSCommands provides code navigation and generation improvements which will make your everyday coding tasks blazing fast and, together with tens of essential IDE enhancements, it will take your productivity to another level. VSCommands comes in two flavours: Lite (free) and Pro (paid). ³

• BrockSoft VSAid, VSAid (Visual Studio Aid) is a Microsoft Visual Studio add-in available, at no cost, for both personal and commercial use. Primarily aimed at Visual C++ developers (though useful for any Visual Studio project or solution), VSAid adds a new toolbar to the IDE which adds productivity-enhancing features such as being able to find and open project files quickly and cycle through related files at the click of a mouse button (or the stroke of a key!). ⁴