JNEXT vs Klive IDE
JNEXT
jnext.esKlive IDE
github.comSide by side
| Figure | JNEXT | Klive IDE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · ZX Spectrum Emulators | 8.6 (#2) | 8.7 (#1) |
| Automation | JNEXT supports headless mode and deterministic screenshots for testing programs in CI. | Klive includes a JavaScript-like scripting engine for IDE commands and custom build pipelines. |
| License | JNEXT is free software under the GPLv3 license. | The public repository identifies Klive IDE as MIT licensed. |
| Purpose | JNEXT is an open-source ZX Spectrum Next emulator for developers. | Klive IDE combines a retro computer emulator and development environment for Sinclair Z80-based machines. |
| Support | The guide directs bugs and questions to the issue tracker. | The maker invites contributions and lists [email protected] as a contact address. |
Plans
In their own words
JNEXT
JNEXT is a free, open-source emulator for ZX Spectrum software, with developer-oriented debugging and automation tools. It emulates 48K, 128K, +2A/+3, and ZX Spectrum Next Issue 2 machines. The debugger offers hardware views, registers, breakpoints, and backward execution; headless mode and deterministic screenshots support CI testing. Supported files include NEX, SNA, SZX, Z80, TAP, TZX, WAV, and RZX. Emulated audio includes three AY chips, a DAC, and a beeper, and supported peripherals include DivMMC, DMA, USB gamepads, and an ESP-01 WiFi module; networking is off by default. On first run, JNEXT can download the official NextZXOS SD-card image if none is configured. The original and working images together use about 2 GB of disk space. Packages are offered for Linux, Windows, and macOS under GPLv3. The project remains under development, and extreme cycle-exactness is not a goal. The Windows executable is not code-signed, and the macOS app is not notarized, affecting their first-launch warnings or blocking behavior.
Klive IDE
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.