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

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 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

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

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#.