A lightweight, general-purpose, cross-platform IDE, flexibly configured with plugins
简体中文 · Core features · Product tour · Download · Plugin marketplace · Plugin development · Decision board · Develop Lithe
Lithe._README.mp4
Welcome to join the Lithe community, share your experience, ask questions, and follow the latest updates.
| QQ group | WeChat group |
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If you cannot scan the WeChat QR code, click here to join through Feishu.
AI coding tools can change many files at once. Reviewing that work still means reading the project, following symbols, running and debugging code, and checking each diff. Lithe brings those workflows into a workbench that can be extended with the tools a project needs.
Lithe is a general-purpose IDE designed to keep resource use low and add capabilities through plugins. Its workbench brings together project browsing, editing, search, Git review, and terminals. Installed plugins connect language intelligence, build tools, run targets, and debuggers.
The current main branch is developing a unified desktop client built with Viva (Go) and Rust Core. macOS, Windows, and Linux share the workbench code, with adapters for system integration. Feature migration and platform validation are still in progress; check the feature matrix and decision board for status. The old client's feature list is not a promise of complete support in the new client.
Language servers, plugin backends, build tools, and debuggers start when needed. Memory use depends on the project, open content, and enabled plugins; measurements from the old client do not describe the current preview.
AI writes the code. Lithe helps you understand the project, run it, and review the changes.
If macOS says that Apple cannot verify whether Lithe.app contains malware, the manually downloaded package may not yet be notarized by Apple. First confirm that the app came from the trusted GitHub Releases, then use one of these methods:
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In Applications, Control-click
Lithe.app, choose Open, and choose Open again in the confirmation dialog. -
If macOS still blocks it, open System Settings > Privacy & Security, click Open Anyway next to the security warning, and launch the app again.
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You can also remove the quarantine attribute in Terminal:
sudo xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine /Applications/Lithe.app
The current Desktop AutoBuild app is named Lithe Desktop.app. It uses an ad hoc signature without Apple notarization, so manual approval is still required. For that app, use its actual name:
xattr -dr com.apple.quarantine "/Applications/Lithe Desktop.app"Only use these steps for an app whose source you trust. Homebrew installations usually do not require manual quarantine removal.
| Workflow | Responsibility and entry point |
|---|---|
| Projects and editing | Project trees, file tabs, a native editor, and search for files, symbols, and actions. |
| Git review | Changes, diffs, commits, branches, history, and worktree management. |
| Language intelligence | Plugins connect language servers for completion, diagnostics, navigation, and other language features. |
| Build, run, and debug | Plugins declare project models, tasks, and debug providers; the workbench supplies shared controls, output, and debug views. |
| Plugin management | Install from the marketplace or disk, review permissions and program declarations, and enable, disable, or manage plugins. |
| AI and resources | Use agent chat and context tools in the workbench, and inspect resource use by the app and related processes. |
These describe the workbench's responsibilities. Availability depends on the platform, build, and installed plugins. Each plugin's repository and marketplace listing describe its tool requirements and supported features.
The screenshots below and the demo above show the previous macOS client. They remain as references for earlier workflows and interactions, not as screenshots or validation of the current Viva preview. Click an image to view it at full resolution.
Switch projects in one window, review diffs, prepare commits, and inspect and manage Git worktrees.
Double-Shift searches files, symbols, and actions. Edit Markdown alongside its preview and navigate with the table of contents.
More screenshots
Browse Git history with a branch list, commit graph, filters, and changed files.
Edit HTML alongside its preview and browse project entry points and service configurations in the Run panel.
Manage language, build, and debugger plugins. The screenshot also shows LLDB disassembly and registers.
Chat with an agent in the editor area, expand command output, and inspect context usage, file changes, and session statistics.
Manage agent instructions, skills, hooks, and MCP configuration, and inspect runtime and token usage in chat.
The Viva client on this branch is still being migrated. Published stable and AutoBuild releases may use the earlier client. Read the release notes for the client architecture, platforms, and plugin compatibility. Homebrew follows published versions, not the current main source; use the development instructions below to run this branch.
- macOS 13+: Download the
arm64DMG for Apple silicon or thex86_64DMG for Intel Macs from GitHub Releases. - Windows x64: Download the Windows
.exeinstaller from GitHub Releases.
Homebrew is the recommended installation and update method on macOS:
brew tap lithe-idea/lithe https://github.com/Lithe-IDEA/Lithe-IDEA.git
brew install --cask lithe-idea/lithe/lithe
brew upgrade --cask litheThe current source uses one Viva desktop workbench and native editor, with a typed Go bridge to Rust Core in its own repository. Platform adapters handle windows, files, processes, terminals, and other system I/O. Core owns shared rules and contracts; the feature matrix tracks migration status. SwiftUI, React/Tauri, and Monaco are no longer this branch's client architecture.
flowchart TB
accTitle: Lithe desktop architecture and plugin boundaries
accDescr: The Viva client calls Rust Core through a Go bridge and uses native adapters to connect independently distributed plugins and upstream tools.
subgraph desktop_client["Lithe desktop client · desktop/"]
workbench["Viva workbench and native editor"]
core_bridge["Typed Go bridge"]
native_adapters["Platform and plugin I/O adapters<br/>macOS · Windows · Linux"]
workbench --> core_bridge
workbench --> native_adapters
native_adapters --> core_bridge
end
rust_core["Rust Core · separate repository<br/>Shared rules, models, and contracts"]
marketplace["Lithe Store<br/>Marketplace index"]
plugin_packages["Plugin packages · separate repositories<br/>Declarations, resources, optional backends"]
upstream_tools["Upstream tools<br/>Language servers, build tools, debuggers"]
core_bridge -->|JSON C ABI| rust_core
marketplace -->|Packages| plugin_packages
native_adapters -->|Declarations and protocols| plugin_packages
plugin_packages -->|Connect or launch| upstream_tools
Plugin repositories own their source, translations, resources, and tests. The Rust Core repository owns the plugin contracts, guides, and SDKs. Installed app and plugin packages stay read-only; caches, logs, and working state use platform-writable directories. See repository ownership and sharing boundaries for responsibilities.
Develop Lithe
Use the Go toolchain pinned in desktop/go.mod, Rust/Cargo, and the native build dependencies for your platform. macOS needs Xcode Command Line Tools; see Desktop CI for Windows and Linux setup. The replace in desktop/go.mod pins the Viva fork and version.
Start a development build from the repository root:
./scripts/desktop/desktop-go.sh run ./cmd/litheThis entry point prepares and links the Rust Core revision pinned by the build script. Package the client for the host platform:
./scripts/desktop/package-desktop.shOutput defaults to dist/desktop/<os>-<arch>/. See the packaging script for platform formats and options.
Validate the desktop client:
./scripts/desktop/check.sh
./scripts/desktop/verify/verify-runtime-bundle-immutability.sh
node scripts/i18n/verify-app-language-localization.mjs
node scripts/i18n/generate-i18n.mjs --check
./scripts/platform-feature-matrix/verify-platform-feature-matrix.shValidate plugin contract and SDK changes in the Rust Core repository, and plugin tests in their own repositories. Read AGENTS.md and its development rules before contributing. Include your verification scope and unverified platforms with the change.
FastAI
FastAI provides convenient relay access to a range of leading large language models, making it easier to connect AI capabilities to everyday development workflows. Its support helps Lithe continue improving its AI-assisted experience. Thank you to FastAI for supporting this project! Scan the QR code above to join the FastAI Token community chat group #2 (group ID: 1073874006).
Special thanks to PatewayAI for sponsoring this project!
PatewayAI focuses on premium official-source API relay, supporting Claude, GPT, and leading Chinese models with transparent billing and enterprise-level services.
Economy mode rates are as low as 5% of official pricing. Sign up for trial credits, earn free credits in periodic campaigns, and receive mutual referral bonuses of up to $150 USD.
Thanks to APINEBULA for sponsoring this project!
APINEBULA, an enterprise AI platform under Galaxy Video Bureau, provides access to Claude, GPT, Gemini, and other leading models through one API, with prices starting at 10% of standard rates. It supports high concurrency, formal contracts, corporate bank transfers, and invoicing for AI coding, agent development, and business integrations.
Register through this link and enter promo code Lithe on your first top-up to get 10% off.
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TIMI CC is an enterprise AI relay platform focused on stability and service quality, providing fast, reliable model access for leading AI coding tools such as Claude Code and Codex. |
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TorchAI provides convenient large language model relay access for coding, content, and automation. Thank you to TorchAI for supporting Lithe! |
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Zeus provides GPT, Claude, Grok, and GPT Image relay access at rates as low as 0.08×, with invoicing and corporate payment support. |
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Clidex provides AI infrastructure and API access for native AI command-line tools at just 0.8% of official pricing. Thank you to Clidex for supporting Lithe! |
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Atlas Cloud provides AI model relay services with access to over 400 models, giving developers more options through one platform. Thank you to Atlas Cloud for supporting Lithe! |
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优云智算 Compshare UCloud’s AI cloud platform provides GPU computing and monthly or pay-per-use Coding Plans for Chinese AI models, with Claude Code, Codex, and API access. Its H3 video generation plans support up to 2K resolution and 30-second videos, starting at ¥0.08 per second. Enterprise concurrency, 24/7 technical support, and self-service invoicing are available. |
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CodeZ provides stable relay access to GPT-family models for integrating model APIs into tools and projects. Thank you to CodeZ for supporting Lithe! |
For all things AI, head to LINUX DO. Wishing the community ever greater success.
Thank you to everyone who contributes to and improves Lithe.
Lithe is licensed under the Apache License 2.0.
