1. Get rio
Install Git first, then clone the 0.4.0 alpha release and enter its directory:
git clone --branch v0.4.0 https://github.com/jlsksr/rio.git
cd rio
2. Install
Linux / BSD — run the installer from your terminal:
./install-unix.sh
macOS — run the Mac installer:
./install-macos.sh
Windows — run the Windows installer from PowerShell:
.\install-windows.ps1
The installer sets up the toolchain, a rio command, and an application menu entry. See the installation guide for requirements, installer options, and remote setups, or the Windows guide for platform-specific instructions.
3. Run rio
rio
rio notes.txt
rio path/to/your/project
Open a folder to use the file tree, git pane, and project search. Ctrl+O opens a file, Ctrl+S saves, and F1 opens the built-in manual. On macOS, use Cmd instead of Ctrl; see Mac shortcuts.
rio keeps separate recovery copies of changed files every 30 seconds by default. Ctrl+S still saves your file; untitled tabs have no recovery copy.
Alpha: Linux is verified at 0.4.0; macOS last ran on 29 September, Windows 11 on 17 September. Homebrew and MacPorts installation remain untried; BSD remains unverified. Read the current status and known limitations.
Run the core remotely
To keep files and the core on a server, follow Working remotely for the server, SSH tunnel, and local window commands.
Further reading
- Your first few minutes — the window and your first edit.
- Keyboard shortcuts — get around without reaching for the mouse.
- Extensions — add an agent provider, editing mode, or theme.