Klive IDE is a free development environment and emulator for making software for Sinclair Z80-based computers. It supports Linux, macOS and Windows, and actively emulates the ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K, ZX Spectrum +2E/+3E, and Cambridge Z88. ZX Spectrum Next support is in progress. The IDE works with Z80 Assembly, ZX BASIC (Boriel's Basic) and SJASMPLUS; its native Klive assembler is built in, while the latter two use external toolchains. A one-click build flow compiles a project, 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 include CPU and ULA state, memory, disassembly, watches, BASIC listings and system variables. Klive handles TAP and TZX tape files and DSK disks for ZX Spectrum +3E, and can export TAP, TZX or Intel HEX. It also offers scripting for IDE commands and build pipelines, plus video recording with stereo audio. The project is MIT-licensed and described by its maker as a passion project for retro-computing enthusiasts.
Who it is for
Klive suits retro-computing enthusiasts who want to write, build and debug programs for supported Sinclair Z80 machines. It is available for macOS, Windows and Linux.
What is good
- Built-in native Klive assembler
- One-click compile, inject, run and debug flow
- Includes breakpoints, watches and machine-state views
- Exports TAP, TZX and Intel HEX
- Free and MIT-licensed
What to know first
- ZX Spectrum Next support is still in progress
- ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS use external toolchains
- macOS installer may be flagged as untrusted
Verdict
Klive brings an editor, build workflow and emulator together for several Sinclair Z80 machines. Its supported file formats, debugger views and scripting engine make it suitable for retro-computing development without a listed price.
Get started with Klive IDE
- Open the Klive IDE project website on GitHub.
- Choose the macOS, Windows, or Linux version.
- Install and launch Klive IDE.
- If installing on macOS, follow the guide to allow the installer through Privacy & Security settings.
- Choose a supported emulated machine and work with Z80 Assembly, ZX BASIC, or SJASMPLUS.
Questions about Klive IDE
How much does Klive IDE cost?
The Klive IDE plan is 0.00 USD per free. It is described as a not-for-profit passion project.
Is Klive IDE open source?
Yes. The project is open source and the GitHub repository identifies its license as MIT.
Which computers does it emulate?
Active emulators include the ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K, ZX Spectrum +2E/+3E, and Cambridge Z88. ZX Spectrum Next support is in progress.
Which operating systems does it support?
Klive IDE is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Which programming languages does it support?
It supports Z80 Assembly, ZX BASIC (Boriel's Basic), and SJASMPLUS. The native Klive assembler is built in; ZX BASIC and SJASMPLUS use external toolchains.
Klive IDE plans and pricing
All plansCompared on ZX spectrum emulators
- Host platforms
- macOS, Windows, Linux
- Tape formats
- .tap, .tzx
- Built-in debugger
- Yes
- Open source
- Yes
- Peripheral support
- virtual keyboard, floppy disk drives
