Freedom251 › Notebook Software
Polynote
What Polynote is
Polynote is a free, open-source polyglot notebook with first-class Scala support, designed to run as a self-hosted server with a web client. Notebooks can combine languages and share data between them, including Scala and Python. An immutable data model and ordered cell semantics support reproducible notebooks. Editing features include interactive autocomplete, error highlighting, rich text, and LaTeX equations in text cells. The interface tracks kernel tasks and highlights the statement currently running. Polynote includes a plot editor and supports the Vega visualization language, and it integrates with Apache Spark for Scala and Python workloads. Python runs in the JVM through Jep and can share data with Scala. It supports Jupyter .ipynb and Zeppelin .json notebook formats. The documented runtime requirements include a working Python 3 environment with pip; the documentation reports successful testing with Java 8 and Java 11. Polynote is available for Linux and macOS. Its installation documentation warns that arbitrary remote code execution is possible, making an installation on an internet-accessible computer unsafe.
Who it suits
Polynote suits people who want a self-hosted notebook that can combine Scala, Python, SQL, and Vega, including work with Apache Spark. It is aimed at users able to manage its JVM server and Python runtime requirements.
What it does well
- First-class Scala support with mixed-language notebooks.
- Shares data between Python and Scala.
- Integrates with Apache Spark.
- Supports Jupyter and Zeppelin notebook formats.
- Free and open source.
What to know first
- Installation permits arbitrary remote code execution.
- Internet-accessible installations are unsafe.
- Requires a working Python 3 environment, including pip.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Polynote | Open-source notebook software · distributed as a self-hosted server | Free |
As polynote.org lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Polynote website.
- Choose a Linux or macOS environment for the self-hosted server.
- Prepare a working Python 3 environment with pip.
- Use Java 8 or Java 11, versions the documentation reports as successfully tested.
- Run Polynote as a JVM-based server that serves its web client.
Verdict
Polynote offers a free, self-hosted notebook environment with Scala, mixed-language workflows, and Spark integration. Its installation security warning is important: the documentation says not to run it on an internet-accessible computer.
Questions
Is Polynote free?
Yes. Polynote is open-source software, and its listed plan costs nothing.
Which languages does Polynote support?
Its supported languages are Scala, Python, SQL, and Vega. Notebooks can mix languages and share data between them.
Which platforms does Polynote support?
The listed platforms are Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and web. It consists of a JVM-based server that serves a web client.
Does Polynote work with Apache Spark?
Yes. It integrates with Apache Spark and supports running Scala and Python code with Spark.
Which notebook formats can Polynote use?
Polynote supports Jupyter .ipynb and Zeppelin .json formats.
What runtime does Polynote require?
It requires a working Python 3 environment, including pip. The documentation reports successful testing with Java 8 and Java 11.
Facts from Polynote's own pages
- Delivery
- Polynote consists of a JVM-based server application that serves a web-based client. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Editing
- Features include interactive autocomplete, error highlighting, rich text editing, and LaTeX equations in text cells. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Execution
- The interface tracks kernel tasks and highlights the statement currently running. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Maintainers and backing
- Polynote lists three maintainers and acknowledges investment from Netflix OSS. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Mixed languages
- A notebook can mix multiple languages and share data between them. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- Polynote is currently tested on Linux and macOS, using Chrome as the client; Windows support is limited to reports of success on Windows Subsystem for Linux. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- Polynote is a polyglot notebook with first-class Scala support. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Python support
- Polynote uses Jep to execute Python code within the JVM and supports sharing data between Python and Scala. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Reproducibility
- Polynote encourages reproducible notebooks with an immutable data model and ordered cell semantics. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Runtime requirements
- The documentation reports successful testing with Java 8 and Java 11, and requires a working Python 3 environment including pip. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The installation documentation warns that Polynote allows arbitrary remote code execution and says running it on an internet-accessible computer is unsafe. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Spark integration
- Polynote integrates with Apache Spark and supports running Scala and Python code with Spark. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
- Visualization
- Polynote includes a plot editor and supports the Vega visualization language. · polynote.org, 4 Oct 2026
Where Polynote stands on Freedom251
- Notebook Software#15 of 25