Modding Tutorials/Recommended software

What you'll learn

This tutorial lists a few programs you could use to edit XML and C# code.

XML Code Editors

Basic Editors

Just about any text editor can write XML code, but as a modder you will want to at the very least see when you forgot closing brackets, a closing tag and other syntax errors.

Notepad doesn't do this, so if you're even somewhat serious about modding, the following software will help you immensely:

• Notepad++ = Has well implemented auto-completion and a very customizable user interface. Can be used to write both XML and C# code, although C# software usually has its own text editor;
• Programmer's Notepad = More lightweight with a less cluttered interface than Notepad++, also capable of editing both XML and C# code;
• XML Notepad = XML-oriented editor with a lot of features you will most likely never use in Rimworld modding.
  
  

Advanced Editors

There's many editors out there specifically made for XML code. Because Rimworld uses XML in a very simple way, advanced code editors are rarely needed. In case you're ever in need of one, however, the following ones might help:

• XPontus = Has a tree view and is capable of checking XML for errors, fixing tabs and creating schema's detailing every tag's data types;
• XMLGrid = Capable of validating XML and turning it into Excel Spreadsheets, XSD Charts and an online table detailing each tag of a certain type and its contents.
  
  

IDE's

C# code is best edited in an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to make the process of editing code, managing a solution's content and compiling its projects both easier and faster. Any IDE for C# will probably work just fine, so here's a list of suggested editors:

• Visual Studio = Very extensive IDE with paid, trial and free versions. Any of these versions will work, so you might as well take the latest free Desktop Express version (here or here);
• MonoDevelop = Free, cross-platform IDE with customizable user interface. Has support for C# as well as some other languages you won't need for Rimworld;
• SharpDevelop = Free IDE specifically made for C#.
  
  

Whichever IDE you choose, make sure it's capable of compiling for .NET Framework 3.5. If you for whatever reason don't have this framework installed, you can download it here.

Additional C# Software

Besides your IDE it's strongly recommended to install the following program for C# coding:

• ILSpy = Software which is capable of decompiling source code, which is very useful in Rimworld modding.