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CodeLite

codelite.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.1 #3 of 13 in Rust IDEs

What it is

CodeLite is a free, open-source IDE for C, C++, Rust, PHP, and Node.js; project materials also identify Python development as a focus. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its core tools include smart completion, code navigation, a built-in debugger, Git integration, and a plugin system. Configured language servers can add completion, go-to-definition, and reference search. The Git plugin covers cloning, staging, commits, pushes, pulls, branches, diffs, and history. PHP tools include XDebug debugging, syntax checks, refactoring, project management, and SFTP synchronization. The Remoty plugin supports remote coding tasks including building, execution, debugging, Git, and project management. References to classes, functions, and files in Claude Code and Kiro CLI can be opened in the editor. CodeLite is distributed under GPLv2, with an exception allowing third-party plugins to use other licenses. The Git plugin requires Git to be installed separately.

Spec sheet

Product
CodeLite is a free, open-source, cross-platform IDE for C, C++, Rust, PHP, and Node.js.Read 4 Oct 2026 · codelite.org
Security
The official homepage and repository pages reviewed do not state security certifications or compliance claims.Read 4 Oct 2026 · codelite.org
License
CodeLite is distributed under GPLv2, with an exception allowing third-party plugins to remain closed source and use any license.Read 4 Oct 2026 · codelite.org
AI tools
The site says Claude Code and Kiro CLI references to classes, functions, and files can be clicked to open them in the editor.Read 4 Oct 2026 · codelite.org
Core features
The site lists smart code completion, code navigation, a built-in debugger, Git integration, and a plugin system.Read 4 Oct 2026 · codelite.org
Downloads
The site links installers for Windows 10 and 11, Ubuntu 24, and macOS, plus FreeBSD downloads and source build instructions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · codelite.org
Git features
The Git plugin documentation lists cloning, staging, commits, pushes, pulls, branches, diffs, and commit history.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.codelite.org
Language servers
The Language Server Protocol plugin supports features such as auto-completion, go-to-definition, and find-all-references through configured language servers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.codelite.org
Languages
The project repository also describes CodeLite as focused on Python development.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit
The Git plugin requires Git to be installed separately.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.codelite.org
PHP features
The PHP plugin documentation lists completion, XDebug debugging, syntax checking, project management, refactoring, and SFTP synchronization.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.codelite.org
Remote development
The Remoty plugin supports remote code completion, formatting, search, building, execution, debugging, Git, and project management.Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.codelite.org
Support resources
The repository links to CodeLite documentation, tutorials, an API reference, and platform-specific source build guides.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free GPLv2 IDE; plugin exception allows separately developed plugins to use any license Read 4 Oct 2026 · codelite.org

Every CodeLite plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan at free.
  • Built-in debugger and smart code completion.
  • Language servers add navigation and reference search.
  • Remoty supports remote builds and debugging.
  • GPLv2 exception permits separately licensed plugins.

Limits

  • Git must be installed separately for its plugin.
  • Git features depend on a separate plugin.

Who it suits

CodeLite suits developers seeking a free IDE for its listed languages across Linux, macOS, or Windows. Its plugins also suit users who need PHP tooling, Git tasks, or remote development capabilities.

Verdict

CodeLite combines language tooling, debugging, Git, and extensibility in a free cross-platform IDE. Check the separately installed Git requirement if repository work is central to your setup.

Where Specifiction places it

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Zed From $10/mo · Free plan 8.3 Visit