How to compile a F# project without buying Visual Studio

Question

I have found this very cool project written in F#: https://github.com/fholm/IronJS

OSS is very nice, but i need an assembly. I would compile it by my self, but it seems that there is no free IDE to open a F# project (.fsproj). I don't have Visual Studio and there is no express version for F#.

I have found this site http://tomasp.net/blog/fsharp-in-monodevelop.aspx but it seems cross-platform doesn't include Windows.

This Monodevelop add-in doesn't work: http://functional-variations.net/addin/

Have someone already successfully used F# on Windows without Visual Studio?

Answer 1

You can downlaod the VS2010 shell from here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=8E5AA7B6-8436-43F0-B778-00C3BCA733D3&displaylang=en

Then install the F# compiler etc from here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=effc5bc4-c3df-4172-ad1c-bc62935861c5 .

Then you'll have full IDE support for F# with intellisense, projects etc. Doesn't cost a penny and works like a charm!

GJ

Answer 2

Have a look at SharpDevelop - it has build-in F# support. The only thing required is F# compiler .

Answer 3

You can download a F# standalone version (to get the compiler) from here . It seems that it also integrates with Visual Studio Shell, which can be downloaded separately (follow the link at the download page). But I must confess I never tried this ...

Answer 4

Download from here

This CTP release includes the F# compiler and tools, as well as optional Visual Studio integration for F# development.

Meaning, the package includes the F# compiler, you don't need Visual Studio integration to compile a project.

Answer 5

If you are a college student, you can get VS 2010 professional version for free through DreamSpark program.

VS 2010 Pro. has full support for F#.