Understanding JetBrains.Rider.<version>.dat file in dotUltimate Offline Installer

Question

When downloading the a dotUltimate offline installer ("dotUltimate Offline Installer (zip)" on the Other Versions page, or Download -> Offline Installer on the download ReSharper page), the downloaded JetBrains.dotUltimate.{version}.zip archive comes the JetBrains.Rider.<version>.dat file alongside the JetBrains.dotUltimate.<version>.exe executable file. What is the purpose of the .dat file? Is it necessary to run the EXE installer?

Answer

The JetBrains.Rider.<version>.dat file is a Rider payload file for the dotUltimate offline installer. It contains Rider-specific binaries/packages that are too large to be embedded directly into the main executable (EXE) file. This separation helps in keeping the EXE file size within safe signing limits.

• If the JetBrains.Rider.<version>.dat file is located in the same directory as the EXE file, the installer will be able to install Rider as part of the installation process.
• If the JetBrains.Rider.<version>.dat file is missing, the EXE will still run, allowing for the installation of other .NET tools, but the Rider option will not be available.