JNEXT Free plan 8.6 Visit Klive IDE
github.com
What it is
Klive IDE combines a retro-computer emulator with development tools for Sinclair Z80-based machines. It supports Z80 Assembly, ZX BASIC (Boriel's Basic) and SJASMPLUS; its native assembler is built in, while the latter two rely on external toolchains. A one-click workflow compiles a program, places it in the emulated machine, then runs or debugs it with breakpoints. Active emulators cover ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K, ZX Spectrum +2E/+3E, and Cambridge Z88; ZX Spectrum Next support is in progress. The Monaco-based editor provides VS Code keyboard shortcuts, syntax highlighting, diagnostics, code folding and symbol navigation. Debug views include CPU and ULA state, memory, disassembly, watches, BASIC listings and system variables. Klive loads TAP and TZX tape files and DSK disks for ZX Spectrum +3E, and exports TAP, TZX or Intel HEX. It also offers a scripting engine for commands and build pipelines, and can record emulator video with stereo audio. The IDE is free, MIT licensed, and available for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- Klive IDE combines a Sinclair Z80 computer emulator with an integrated development environment for writing, running and debugging retro-machine software.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Purpose
- Klive IDE combines a retro computer emulator and development environment for Sinclair Z80-based machines.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Platforms
- The install guide lists Linux AppImage, Windows x64 EXE, and macOS PKG installers; Windows currently supports only x64.Read 5 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Integrations
- ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS use external toolchains, and the IDE also documents integration with the PASTA/80 Pascal compiler, which uses SjasmPlus as its assembler backend.Read 5 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Support
- The maker invites contributions and lists [email protected] as a contact address.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The public repository identifies Klive IDE as MIT licensed.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Automation
- Klive includes a JavaScript-like scripting engine for IDE commands and custom build pipelines.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Automation API
- The product documents a klive ide command-line interface and JSON-RPC 2.0 automation protocol over a local socket or named pipe.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Automation security
- Automation is disabled by default, stays local, uses a per-start token and offers read, control and full permission levels.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Build and debug
- A one-click workflow compiles code, injects it into the emulated machine, and runs or debugs it with breakpoints.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Build limitation
- The developer wiki says emulator WebAssembly builds require a separate wat2wasm/native WebAssembly step and a multi-process development workflow.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github-wiki-see.page
- Built-in assembler
- The native Klive Z80 assembler supports documented and undocumented Z80 instructions, ZX Spectrum Next instructions, compile-time control flow and parameterized macros.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- CI testing
- The klive test command runs unit tests without the GUI and emits JUnit XML and LCOV coverage files for CI dashboards.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Company profile
- Istvan Novak's personal site describes SoftwArt as a small Hungarian IT consultancy and identifies him as its principal and chief technology consultant.Read 15 Oct 2026 · istvannovak.me
- Debugger views
- The emulator exposes CPU, ULA, live memory, disassembly, breakpoints, system variables and BASIC-listing views.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Developer architecture
- The mirrored developer wiki describes separate Electron emulator and VS Code-extension packages managed in a Lerna monorepo.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github-wiki-see.page
- Documentation depth
- The documentation includes installation, first-run, scripting, automation, debugging, navigation and unit-testing sections, with several pages updated in October 2026.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Editor
- The IDE uses Monaco with VS Code keyboard shortcuts, syntax highlighting, diagnostics, folding, symbol navigation, inlay hints and rename support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Emulator controls
- Users can start, pause, continue, restart and single-step machines, with CPU speed adjustable from 1x to 24x.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Emulator tools
- Debugging views expose CPU and ULA state, memory, disassembly, breakpoints, watches, BASIC listings, and system variables.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- File support
- Klive loads tape files in TAP and TZX formats and disk files in DSK format for ZX Spectrum +3E, and exports TAP, TZX, or Intel HEX.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Independent feature description
- The same Espamática article describes the extension as combining a debugger, IDE, emulator and syntax highlighting inside VS Code.Read 15 Oct 2026 · espamatica.com
- Input formats
- Klive loads TAP and TZX tape images and DSK disks for ZX Spectrum +3/+3E systems.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Installers
- Official releases provide macOS PKG, Windows x64 EXE or portable ZIP, and Linux AppImage packages.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Language integrations
- Projects can use Klive Z80 Assembly, Boriel ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS; the latter two require external toolchains.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Languages
- The IDE supports Z80 Assembly, ZX BASIC (Boriel's Basic), and SJASMPLUS, with the native Klive assembler built in and no external dependencies.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Limit: extension usability
- An Espamática article reports a user initially could not get the VS Code extension running and later still needed to work out debugging.Read 15 Oct 2026 · espamatica.com
- Limit: external toolchains
- ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS projects need separately installed toolchains, unlike the built-in Klive assembler.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Limit: legacy help
- That World of Spectrum review criticized Klive's help system as inadequate and said real-tape loading behavior was unclear.Read 15 Oct 2026 · worldofspectrum.org
- Limit: macOS installation
- The macOS package may be blocked as coming from an untrusted source and requires approval in Privacy & Security settings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Limit: Windows installation
- The installation guide warns that Windows 11 Defender scanning can make setup appear hung for 10–22 minutes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Maker identity
- GitHub identifies the Dotneteer account owner as Istvan Novak and associates the account with SoftwArt Ltd. in Dunakeszi, Hungary.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- One-click workflow
- A toolbar action compiles source, injects the result into the selected emulated machine and runs or debugs it.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Praise: emulator quality
- A World of Spectrum review called Klive an excellent emulator and highlighted its speed control, screen-file handling and tape-related capabilities.Read 15 Oct 2026 · worldofspectrum.org
- Release bug history
- The release log records fixes for tape export, Windows ROM selection, memory editing, screen flicker and Monaco loading.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Release news
- Release notes dated 21 March describe experimental PASTA/80 integration and new assembler-editor intelligence such as semantic highlighting, macro previews and symbol renaming.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Roadmap limits
- The roadmap still lists custom ROMs, memory and I/O breakpoints, conditional breakpoints and broader external-assembler integration as future work.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Screen recording
- The recorder captures emulator video and stereo audio to MP4, WebM or MKV, with FFmpeg bundled in the application.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Scripting
- JavaScript-like .ksx scripts can run or be debugged in the IDE, log messages, show progress and override build, inject, run, debug and export steps.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Security note
- The macOS installation guide says the operating system may flag the installer as coming from an untrusted source and instructs users to allow it through Privacy & Security settings.Read 5 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Support and community
- The maker invites contributions through GitHub and publishes [email protected] as a contact address.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Supported machines
- The active emulators cover ZX Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2E/+3E and Cambridge Z88; ZX Spectrum Next support is still being developed.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- System requirements
- Windows support is x64 only; Linux AppImage use may require FUSE libraries such as fuse and libfuse2; macOS packages support x64 or arm64.Read 15 Oct 2026 · dotneteer.github.io
- Target users
- The maker describes Klive as a passion project for retro-computing enthusiasts, made for the joy of creation and connection rather than profit.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Technology stack
- The application uses Electron, React, Monaco, Vite and TypeScript; the repository says its emulator and assembler implementations are written from scratch.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
- VS Code integration
- The Visual Studio Marketplace lists a preview Klive extension that integrates the ZX Spectrum emulator with VS Code as a full IDE.Read 15 Oct 2026 · marketplace.visualstudio.com
Plans and prices
Klive IDE Free Not-for-profit passion project · macOS, Windows x64, Linux Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Native assembler is built in without external dependencies.
- One-click compile, inject, run and debug workflow.
- Debugger exposes CPU, memory and system information.
- Free, MIT-licensed versions for macOS, Windows and Linux.
Limits
- ZX Spectrum Next support is still in progress.
- ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS require external toolchains.
- macOS may flag the installer as untrusted.
Who it suits
Klive IDE is suited to retro-computing enthusiasts who want to write and debug software for supported Sinclair Z80 machines. It is also relevant to developers who want an emulator integrated with their editing and build workflow.
Klive IDE in depth
Read the full write-up
Overview
Klive IDE is a development environment and emulator for software targeting Sinclair Z80 machines. It suits enthusiasts who want to write, build and debug programs in one desktop workspace. Its strongest case is the integrated Z80 Assembly workflow; developers relying on external language tools or ZX Spectrum Next support should weigh the extra setup and unfinished emulator support.
Key features
The built-in Klive assembler compiles Z80 Assembly without external dependencies. A one-click workflow then injects the program into an emulated machine to run or debug it, with breakpoints available. This tight edit-to-execution loop is useful for people iterating on machine-level code; it does not make every supported language equally self-contained.
The Monaco-based editor includes VS Code keyboard shortcuts, semantic syntax highlighting, diagnostics, code folding and symbol navigation. Debugging views expose CPU and ULA state, memory, disassembly, breakpoints, watches, BASIC listings and system variables. Together, these tools support inspection beyond the source code, which is valuable when tracking behavior on the emulated machine.
Active emulators cover the ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K, ZX Spectrum +2E/+3E, and Cambridge Z88. ZX Spectrum Next is still in progress, so Klive is not the right choice for a workflow that depends on complete Next emulation. It loads TAP and TZX tape files and DSK disks for ZX Spectrum +3E, and exports TAP, TZX or Intel HEX. Virtual keyboard and floppy disk drive support add machine controls.
ZX BASIC (Boriel’s Basic) and SJASMPLUS depend on external toolchains. Klive also documents integration with the PASTA/80 Pascal compiler, which uses SjASMPlus as its assembler backend. Its JavaScript-like scripting engine can automate IDE commands and custom build pipelines, while emulator video recording includes stereo audio and exports MP4, WebM or MKV; FFmpeg is bundled.
Pricing
Klive IDE costs nothing. The free plan covers macOS, Windows x64 and Linux, and the project is open source under the MIT license. There is no paid tier to weigh against it, making it a straightforward option for hobbyists who want an integrated development environment without a software charge.
Platforms
Klive runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. Its Windows plan specifies x64. On macOS, the installation guide warns that the operating system may flag the installer as untrusted and instructs users to allow it through Privacy & Security settings. That extra installation step is worth knowing before choosing it for a less technical user.
Who it's for
Klive is best suited to retro-computing enthusiasts building or exploring software for the supported Sinclair machines, especially Z80 Assembly programmers who value a built-in assembler and an immediate emulator-debugger loop. Its maker frames it as a passion project for creation and connection rather than profit, and invites contributions. Readers who expect commercial support should not assume that a free, contribution-oriented project offers that arrangement; contact is available at [email protected].
Pros and cons
Pro: Native assembly, build, emulation and debugging work together, reducing the need to move between separate tools for Z80 Assembly projects.
Pro: Detailed debugger views and TAP/TZX, DSK and export support give developers practical tools for working with machine state and existing files.
Pro: Free, MIT-licensed software runs across the three major desktop platforms.
Con: ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS require external toolchains, so those language workflows are less self-contained than native assembly.
Con: ZX Spectrum Next emulation remains in progress, ruling it out as a complete Next development setup.
Con: The macOS installer may require an explicit security approval before it can be opened.
Alternatives
For a different free emulator rather than an integrated development environment, compare these options:
ZX Spectrum Emulators is a directory of emulator choices.
JNEXT is free, open-source GPLv3 software for Linux, macOS and Windows.
Unreal Speccy Portable is free GPLv3-or-later software and also runs on Android.
zx_go is a free MIT-licensed emulator for Linux, macOS and Windows; licensed Spectrum Next ROMs are not bundled.
CSpect offers a free, name-your-own-price plan with no support, no warranty and no guaranteed updates.
GZX is free MIT-style software for Linux and Windows, with ZX Spectrum ROM files excepted.
Spectaculator is a paid alternative with a free trial and versions for Android, iOS and Windows.
ZEsarUX is free software for Linux, macOS, Windows and self-hosted use, with optional donations.
ZX-Poly Emulator is free GPL-3.0 software with prebuilt desktop downloads and a cross-platform JAR.
Verdict
Choose Klive IDE if you want a free, open-source workspace for developing on its actively emulated Sinclair Z80 machines, particularly with Z80 Assembly. The integrated build, emulation and debugging loop is its main advantage. Look elsewhere if you need established ZX Spectrum Next emulation or want ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS without external toolchains.
Verdict
Klive IDE brings editing, building and emulation together for several Sinclair Z80 machines. It is free across three desktop platforms, though some language toolchains are external and one machine emulator remains in progress.
Where Specifiction places it
- ZX Spectrum Emulators#1 of 238.7