Developer tooling
Axiom IDE
A fast, customizable IDE that stays out of the way. No forced AI, no telemetry, no features you did not ask for.
Status
In development
Started
1 August 2026
Stages
09
Progress
01 / 09
Overview
Axiom is an open-source IDE designed to give developers a fast, clean, and customizable coding environment without unnecessary or forced AI features. It is inspired by tools like Visual Studio Code, but its goal is to stay lightweight, transparent, and focused on what programmers actually need.
Axiom will include the core features expected from a modern IDE, such as a clean interface, file explorer, editor tabs, syntax highlighting, an integrated terminal, themes, and project tools.
Axiom will also focus on stronger debugging and better extension support. Developers will be able to use tools like breakpoints, variable inspection, call stack viewing, error tracing, and a clear debug console to better understand how their code works. The plugin system will be open-source and customizable, allowing the community to add features, themes, and language support while keeping users in control of what gets added to their workspace.
What it focuses on
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Debugging that explains itself Breakpoints, variable inspection, call stack viewing and error tracing that shows where a fault started and what caused it.
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Plugins you can audit An open API, a plugin manager that lists exactly what access each extension asks for, and community themes and language support.
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Lightweight by rule Fast startup, low memory use, and no background processes added without a reason a user would accept.
RMDevelopment roadmap
Every stage, in public
9 stages from first window to public release. Open one to read what it involves.
- Main GUI layout Create the basic window layout for the IDE, including the editor space, sidebar, menu area, and bottom panel.
- File explorer Add a sidebar where users can view folders, files, and project structure.
- Editor tabs Allow multiple files to be open at once using tabs at the top of the editor.
- Menu bar Add basic menu options such as File, Edit, View, Run, Debug, and Settings.
- Workspace layout Design a clean workspace that is easy to understand and does not feel cluttered.
- Open files Allow users to open existing code files from their computer.
- Save files Let users save changes made to their code.
- Save as Allow users to save a file under a new name or location.
- Create files and folders Let users create new files and folders directly inside the IDE.
- Undo and redo Add basic editing controls so users can reverse or repeat changes.
- Search in file Let users quickly find words, functions, or errors inside a file.
- Export project Allow users to export or package their project files when needed.
- Syntax highlighting Add colors to code based on keywords, strings, comments, and functions to make it easier to read.
- Line numbers Show line numbers beside the code so users can locate errors quickly.
- Bracket matching Highlight matching parentheses, brackets, and braces to help prevent syntax errors.
- Auto indentation Automatically align code properly when users press Enter or write new blocks.
- Basic autocomplete Suggest common code words, variables, or functions while typing.
- Error highlighting Show simple visual warnings when the IDE detects possible code mistakes.
- Integrated terminal Add a built-in terminal so users can run commands without leaving the IDE.
- Light and dark themes Give users built-in theme options for different visual preferences.
- Custom themes Allow users to create or install their own themes.
- Font settings Let users change font size, font style, and spacing for the editor.
- Keyboard shortcuts Allow users to customize shortcuts for common actions.
- Layout customization Let users move, hide, or resize panels depending on their workflow.
- User preferences Add a settings system where users can control how the IDE behaves.
- Breakpoints Let users pause code at specific lines to inspect what is happening.
- Step over Allow users to move through code one line at a time without entering functions.
- Step into Let users enter a function while debugging to see exactly how it runs.
- Step out Allow users to exit a function and return to the previous part of the program.
- Variable inspector Show current variable values while the program is paused.
- Call stack viewer Display the order of function calls that led to the current point in the program.
- Debug console Provide a space where users can see debug output, errors, and logs.
- Error tracing Make errors easier to understand by showing where they started and what caused them.
- Open-source plugin support Allow the community to create plugins that expand the IDE.
- Plugin manager Add a built-in place to view, install, update, and remove plugins.
- Plugin permissions Show what access each plugin needs so users stay in control.
- Basic plugin API Create tools developers can use to build extensions for Axiom.
- Theme plugins Let users install custom visual themes through the plugin system.
- Language plugins Allow plugins to add support for different programming languages.
- Git integration Add basic Git tools for commits, branches, changes, and version control.
- Project templates Provide starter templates for common types of projects.
- Build and run buttons Let users build or run projects directly from the IDE.
- Workspace settings Save project-specific settings for each workspace.
- Language-specific tools Add tools for different languages, such as Java, Python, C++, or web development.
- Dependency tools Help users manage packages, libraries, and project dependencies.
- Faster startup Optimize the IDE so it opens quickly.
- Lower memory usage Reduce unnecessary background processes to keep the IDE lightweight.
- Cleaner UI Polish spacing, icons, panels, and menus so the interface feels professional.
- Bug fixes Fix problems found during testing.
- Accessibility improvements Improve readability, keyboard navigation, and usability for more users.
- Stability improvements Make the IDE more reliable before public release.
- Installer Create an easy way for users to install Axiom on their computer.
- Documentation Write guides explaining how to use, customize, and contribute to Axiom.
- GitHub release Publish the first public version of the IDE on GitHub.
- Contribution guide Explain how open-source contributors can help with the project.
- Feedback system Let users report bugs, suggest features, and give feedback.
- Public beta Release an early version for testing before a full stable launch.
