Can I use other IDEs other than Visual Studio for coding in .net?

Question

What are the options? How popular are they? Do these IDEs give similar/better functionality compared to visual studio?

Answer 1

Yes - you can try using SharpDevelop:

http://www.icsharpcode.net/OpenSource/SD/

Or you can just use notepad, or notepad++

http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/

Then compile on the command line.

Edit: If you're looking for a free solution - try Visual Studio C# Express Edition:

http://www.microsoft.com/express/vcsharp/