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Klive IDE
What it is
Klive IDE combines an emulator and development environment for Sinclair Z80-based computers. Active emulators cover the ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K, ZX Spectrum +2E/+3E, and Cambridge Z88; ZX Spectrum Next support is in progress. The IDE supports Z80 Assembly, ZX BASIC (Boriel's Basic), and SJASMPLUS. Its built-in Klive assembler needs no external dependencies, while ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS use external toolchains. A one-click workflow compiles code, loads it into the emulated machine, and runs or debugs it with breakpoints. The Monaco-based editor includes VS Code keyboard shortcuts, syntax highlighting, diagnostics, code folding, and symbol navigation. Debugging views show CPU and ULA state, memory, disassembly, breakpoints, watches, BASIC listings, and system variables. Klive loads TAP and TZX tape files and DSK disk files for ZX Spectrum +3E, and exports TAP, TZX, or Intel HEX. It also supports scripting for IDE commands and build pipelines, and can record emulator video with stereo audio. The MIT-licensed project is free for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
For and against
For
- Includes emulators for several Sinclair Z80 machines.
- Built-in assembler has no external dependencies.
- One-click build, run, and debug workflow.
- Loads TAP and TZX tapes and exports Intel HEX.
- Free and MIT licensed.
Against
- ZX Spectrum Next support is still in progress.
- ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS use external toolchains.
- macOS may flag the installer as untrusted.
The verdict
Klive IDE brings editing, emulation, and debugging together for several Sinclair Z80 machines. Users should note that some language toolchains are external and ZX Spectrum Next support remains in progress.
Who it suits
Klive IDE is suited to retro-computing enthusiasts developing or exploring software for Sinclair Z80-based machines. Its maker describes it as a passion project for creation and connection rather than profit.
Plans and prices
Klive IDE
Not-for-profit passion project · macOS, Windows x64, Linux
Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Automation
- Klive includes a JavaScript-like scripting engine for IDE commands and custom build pipelines.github.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- 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.dotneteer.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Automation security
- Automation is disabled by default, stays local, uses a per-start token and offers read, control and full permission levels.dotneteer.github.io · read 15 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 · read 5 Oct 2026
- Build limitation
- The developer wiki says emulator WebAssembly builds require a separate wat2wasm/native WebAssembly step and a multi-process development workflow.github-wiki-see.page · read 15 Oct 2026
- 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.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- CI testing
- The klive test command runs unit tests without the GUI and emits JUnit XML and LCOV coverage files for CI dashboards.dotneteer.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- 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.istvannovak.me · read 15 Oct 2026
- Debugger views
- The emulator exposes CPU, ULA, live memory, disassembly, breakpoints, system variables and BASIC-listing views.dotneteer.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Developer architecture
- The mirrored developer wiki describes separate Electron emulator and VS Code-extension packages managed in a Lerna monorepo.github-wiki-see.page · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- The documentation includes installation, first-run, scripting, automation, debugging, navigation and unit-testing sections, with several pages updated in October 2026.dotneteer.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Editor
- The IDE uses Monaco with VS Code keyboard shortcuts, syntax highlighting, diagnostics, folding, symbol navigation, inlay hints and rename support.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Emulator controls
- Users can start, pause, continue, restart and single-step machines, with CPU speed adjustable from 1x to 24x.dotneteer.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Emulator tools
- Debugging views expose CPU and ULA state, memory, disassembly, breakpoints, watches, BASIC listings, and system variables.github.com · read 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 · read 5 Oct 2026
- Independent feature description
- The same Espamática article describes the extension as combining a debugger, IDE, emulator and syntax highlighting inside VS Code.espamatica.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Input formats
- Klive loads TAP and TZX tape images and DSK disks for ZX Spectrum +3/+3E systems.dotneteer.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Installers
- Official releases provide macOS PKG, Windows x64 EXE or portable ZIP, and Linux AppImage packages.dotneteer.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
