Saros
What it is
Saros is a free, open-source IDE plugin for distributed collaborative software development. It synchronizes text-file editing so participants with write access can edit shared files simultaneously. Follow mode lets one participant observe another’s navigation and editing, while session awareness shows where others work and what they changed. Instant messaging supports group and one-to-one chat; documentation recommends separate voice or audio conferencing. Documented integrations include Eclipse and IntelliJ-platform IDEs, with sessions using an XMPP/Jabber account. Teams can host their own server and keep communication within their network. The homepage describes sessions of up to five team members, while Saros/I release notes limit that plugin to two participants. Saros/I shares one module only, requiring exactly one content root and excluding sub-modules. Higher bandwidth and lower latency than ordinary chatting are required, and public chat servers may be too slow. No paid plans are listed.
For and against
For
- Concurrent editing for shared text files
- Follow mode and activity awareness
- Integrated group and one-to-one chat
- Self-hosted server option
- Free and open source
Against
- Saros/I release notes limit sessions to two
- Saros/I shares only one module
- Sub-modules are excluded when sharing
- No integrated voice or screen sharing
The verdict
Saros combines collaborative editing, awareness, chat, and self-hosting for supported IDEs. Teams should check the differing session limits and Saros/I module constraints before choosing a setup.
Who it suits
It suits distributed development teams using Eclipse or IntelliJ-platform IDEs that need shared editing and chat. Self-hosting is available for teams keeping session traffic within their network.
Plans and prices
Saros
Completely open source; no paid plans or price listed
Read 2 Oct 2026 · saros-project.org
On the record
- Awareness
- During a session, users can see where others are working and what they have changed.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- 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.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Concurrent writers
- Participants with write access can edit shared files at the same time.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Connection requirements
- Saros requires higher bandwidth and lower latency than normal chatting, and public chat servers may be too slow for smooth operation.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Follow mode
- Follow mode lets a participant observe another team member’s navigation and editing activity.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The documented IDE integrations are Eclipse and IntelliJ-platform IDEs, and sessions use an XMPP/Jabber account.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- IntelliJ limitations
- Saros/I currently shares only one module, which must have exactly one content root, and does not include sub-modules when sharing.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Saros is an open-source IDE plugin for distributed collaborative software development.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Real-time editing
- It synchronizes collaborative text-file editing among participants.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- 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.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- Users can host their own server and keep session communication within their network.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- 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.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its GitHub issue tracker to report bugs.saros-project.org · read 2 Oct 2026
