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Tech riderRev. 5 Oct 2026

Klive IDE

Ch 037.2of 21 ZX Spectrum Emulators
  1. 1Runs onLinux, Mac, Windows
  2. 2CostsFree plan
  3. 3Host platformsmacOS, Windows, Linux
  4. 4Tape formats.tap, .tzx
  5. 5Built-in debuggerYes
  6. 6Open sourceYes
  7. 7Peripheral supportvirtual keyboard, floppy disk drives
7 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: github.com
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The Klive IDE homepage

Overview

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.

Who it is for

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.

What is good

  • 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.

What to know first

  • ZX Spectrum Next support is still in progress.
  • ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS require external toolchains.
  • macOS may flag the installer as untrusted.

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.

Klive IDE plans and pricing

All plans
Klive IDE Free Not-for-profit passion project · macOS, Windows x64, Linux github.com · 5 Oct 2026

Compared on ZX spectrum emulators

Host platforms
macOS, Windows, Linuxgithub.com
Tape formats
.tap, .tzxgithub.com
Built-in debugger
Yesgithub.com
Open source
Yesgithub.com
Peripheral support
virtual keyboard, floppy disk drivesgithub.com

Facts

Purpose
Klive IDE combines a retro computer emulator and development environment for Sinclair Z80-based machines.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
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.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Supported machines
Active emulators include ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K, ZX Spectrum +2E/+3E, and Cambridge Z88; ZX Spectrum Next is in progress.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Languages
The IDE supports Z80 Assembly, ZX BASIC (Boriel's Basic), and SJASMPLUS, with the native Klive assembler built in and no external dependencies.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Build and debug
A one-click workflow compiles code, injects it into the emulated machine, and runs or debugs it with breakpoints.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Editor
The Monaco-based editor offers VS Code keyboard shortcuts, semantic syntax highlighting, diagnostics, code folding, and symbol navigation.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Emulator tools
Debugging views expose CPU and ULA state, memory, disassembly, breakpoints, watches, BASIC listings, and system variables.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
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.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
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.dotneteer.github.io · 5 Oct 2026
Automation
Klive includes a JavaScript-like scripting engine for IDE commands and custom build pipelines.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Screen recording
The emulator can record video with stereo audio to MP4, WebM, or MKV, and FFmpeg is bundled with Klive.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Platforms
The install guide lists Linux AppImage, Windows x64 EXE, and macOS PKG installers; Windows currently supports only x64.dotneteer.github.io · 5 Oct 2026
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.dotneteer.github.io · 5 Oct 2026
License
The GitHub repository identifies the project as MIT licensed.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Support
The maker invites contributions and lists [email protected] as a contact address.github.com · 5 Oct 2026

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