Klive IDE
Ranked in ZX Spectrum Emulators ·Free plan
About
Klive IDE is a free, open-source environment for building and debugging software for Sinclair Z80-based computers. It pairs an emulator with a development environment for 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, with a built-in Klive assembler that has no external dependencies. A one-click workflow compiles code, loads it into the emulated machine, then runs or debugs it with breakpoints. Its Monaco-based editor provides VS Code keyboard shortcuts, syntax highlighting, diagnostics, code folding, and symbol navigation. Debugging views include CPU and ULA state, memory, disassembly, watches, BASIC listings, and system variables. Klive works with TAP and TZX tape files and DSK disks for ZX Spectrum +3E, and can export TAP, TZX, or Intel HEX. It also includes a scripting engine for commands and build pipelines, plus recording to MP4, WebM, or MKV.
Who it is for
Klive suits retro-computing enthusiasts building for Sinclair Z80 machines. It is a passion project available on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
What is good
- Built-in assembler needs no external dependencies.
- One-click compile, inject, run, and debug workflow.
- Debugger exposes CPU, ULA, memory, and disassembly.
- Supports TAP and TZX tape files and Intel HEX export.
- MIT licensed and free.
What to know first
- ZX Spectrum Next support is still in progress.
- ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS use external toolchains.
- macOS may flag the installer as untrusted.
Verdict
Klive brings retro machine emulation, editing, building, and debugging together for several Sinclair Z80 systems. Its external toolchain requirements and in-progress ZX Spectrum Next support are worth noting before choosing it.
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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Where it ranks on Inferse
Sources
- github.com/Dotneteer/kliveide· checked 5 Oct 2026
- dotneteer.github.io/kliveide/working-with-ide/pasta80/· checked 5 Oct 2026
- dotneteer.github.io/kliveide/getting-started/installation/· checked 5 Oct 2026