rtx

Dev env manager

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Console’s review

· Reviewed by David Mytton

What we like

CLI and shell plugin to auto-switch runtime versions based on per-directory configuration. Reads tool versions file(s) to determine which runtime to install and link to. Supports Bash, Zsh, Fish, Xonsh. Supports asdf plugins. Designed for performance by not using shims (\~120ms overhead in asdf) instead updating PATH to directly call runtimes.

Tradeoffs

No Windows support. Can conflict with direnv.

Is rtx a fit?

Based on Console’s review published on 2023-02-23. Summary updated .

Who it’s for

Developers using Bash, Zsh, Fish, or Xonsh should consider this tool for managing runtime versions

Why consider it

This tool allows for automatic switching of runtime versions based on per-directory configuration

Keep in mind

It lacks support for Windows and may conflict with direnv

Console is a free weekly newsletter with short reviews of developer tools, covering strengths and tradeoffs. This review reflects Console’s assessment at publication on 2023-02-23. Features and limitations may have changed since the review date. Read our selection criteria and learn about Console.

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