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Saros

saros-project.org

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Spec score 7.7 #18 of 26 in Pair Programming Software

What it is

Saros is an open-source IDE plugin for distributed collaborative software development. It synchronizes shared text files so participants with write access can edit together. Follow mode lets one participant observe another's navigation and editing activity, while session awareness shows where others are working and what they have changed. Built-in instant messaging supports group and one-to-one conversations; the documentation recommends a separate VoIP or audio conferencing tool. Documented integrations are Eclipse and IntelliJ-platform IDEs, and sessions use an XMPP/Jabber account. Teams can host their own server to keep session communication within their network. Session size varies by the stated product information: the homepage says up to five team members, while Saros/I release notes limit that plugin to two participants. Saros/I also shares only one module, which must have exactly one content root, and does not include sub-modules. Collaboration needs higher bandwidth and lower latency than ordinary chatting, and public chat servers may be too slow for smooth operation. Saros is free and open source, with no paid plans listed.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Saros is an open-source IDE plugin for distributed collaborative software development.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Platforms
Saros is distributed as IDE plugins for Eclipse and IntelliJ-platform IDEs; the installation guide lists Eclipse 4.8 or newer and IntelliJ 2019.2.3 or newer.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Integrations
The documented IDE integrations are Eclipse and IntelliJ-platform IDEs, and sessions use an XMPP/Jabber account.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Support
The project directs users to its GitHub issue tracker to report bugs.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Awareness
During a session, users can see where others are working and what they have changed.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Communication
Saros provides instant messaging and supports multi-user or one-to-one chat; its documentation recommends using a separate VoIP or audio conferencing tool.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Concurrent writers
Participants with write access can edit shared files at the same time.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Connection requirements
Saros requires higher bandwidth and lower latency than normal chatting, and public chat servers may be too slow for smooth operation.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Follow mode
Follow mode lets a participant observe another team member’s navigation and editing activity.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
IntelliJ limitations
Saros/I currently shares only one module, which must have exactly one content root, and does not include sub-modules when sharing.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Real-time editing
It synchronizes collaborative text-file editing among participants.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Security and privacy
The project recommends setting up an own XMPP server for company use or sessions with more than one peer; it does not state a security certification on the pages reviewed.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Self-hosting
Users can host their own server and keep session communication within their network.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
Session limit
The homepage says a session can include up to five team members, while the Saros/I release notes limit that plugin to two participants.Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org

Plans and prices

Saros Free Completely open source; no paid plans or price listed Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org

Every Saros plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Participants can edit shared files simultaneously
  • Follow mode shows another member's navigation and edits
  • Includes one-to-one and group instant messaging
  • Teams can host their own server
  • Free and open source

Limits

  • Voice or audio conferencing requires a separate tool
  • Sessions require an XMPP/Jabber account
  • Collaboration needs higher bandwidth and lower latency than chat
  • Saros/I has module and participant limits

Who it suits

It suits distributed software teams using Eclipse or IntelliJ-platform IDEs that want shared editing and integrated text chat. Teams needing tighter control of session communications can host their own server.

Verdict

Saros brings shared editing, awareness, and text chat to supported IDEs, with a self-hosted server option. Confirm which session limits and IntelliJ sharing constraints apply to the plugin you plan to use.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to SarosAll alternatives →