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Why LiveCodes?

LiveCodes stands out from other code playgrounds with its unique combination of features, privacy focus, and client-side architecture. Here’s what makes it special.

A code playground that just works

No servers to configure

Everything runs in the browser. No backend infrastructure needed.

No databases to maintain

Projects are stored locally in your browser or optionally synced via GitHub.

No installs required

Open livecodes.io and start coding immediately.

No build steps

Automatic compilation and module resolution - just write code.

No subscription fees

Completely free and open-source. No premium tiers or paywalls.

No account required

Use all features without signing up. GitHub login only for advanced features.

Client-side architecture

Privacy and security

Unlike server-side playgrounds, LiveCodes runs entirely in your browser:
Your code never leaves your machine unless you explicitly choose to share or deploy it.
What this means for you:
  • Private by default: Your code and data stay on your device
  • No tracking: LiveCodes doesn’t collect analytics or telemetry
  • Secure execution: Code runs in isolated iframes with proper sandboxing
  • Offline capable: Continue coding even without internet connection (after initial load)

Performance benefits

Code runs immediately in the browser without server round-trips. See results as you type with live reload.

Cost effectiveness

LiveCodes is free to use because it doesn’t require expensive server infrastructure. You can even self-host it on free static hosting services.

Extensive language support

LiveCodes supports 90+ languages and frameworks - more than most other playgrounds:

Modern frameworks

// React with automatic JSX transformation
import { useState } from 'react';

export default function Counter() {
  const [count, setCount] = useState(0);
  return (
    <button onClick={() => setCount(count + 1)}>
      Count: {count}
    </button>
  );
}
Works out of the box for:
  • React (JSX/TSX) with automatic imports
  • Vue 2 & 3 with Single File Components
  • Svelte with component compilation
  • Solid with JSX transformation
  • Angular, Lit, Stencil, and more

Backend languages in the browser

Run server-side languages directly in the browser using WebAssembly:
# Python runs via Brython
import sys

print(f"Python version: {sys.version}")

for i in range(5):
    print(f"Hello from Python! {i}")
// Go runs via TinyGo + WebAssembly
package main

import "fmt"

func main() {
    fmt.Println("Hello from Go!")
    for i := 0; i < 5; i++ {
        fmt.Printf("Count: %d\n", i)
    }
}
# Ruby runs via ruby.wasm
puts "Hello from Ruby!"

5.times do |i|
  puts "Count: #{i}"
end
Supported WebAssembly languages:
  • Python (Brython & Pyodide)
  • Ruby (ruby.wasm)
  • PHP (php-wasm)
  • Go (TinyGo)
  • C/C++ (Emscripten)
  • Rust
  • Lua
  • And many more!

Powerful editor features

Monaco editor with IntelliSense

LiveCodes uses the same editor that powers Visual Studio Code:

Intelligent autocomplete

Context-aware suggestions as you type, powered by TypeScript’s language service.

Automatic Type Acquisition

Types for npm packages are automatically downloaded for better autocomplete.

Hover information

See type information and documentation by hovering over symbols.

Error detection

Real-time syntax and type checking with inline error messages.

Example: Automatic types for npm modules

// Type definitions are automatically loaded when you import from npm
import { createPlayground } from 'livecodes';

// Full IntelliSense and autocomplete available
const playground = await createPlayground('#container', {
  config: {
    // TypeScript knows all available configuration options
    markup: {
      language: 'html',
      content: '<h1>Hello!</h1>',
    },
  },
});

// Method signatures and documentation on hover
await playground.run();
LiveCodes supports custom type definitions for your own modules and libraries.

Module imports made easy

Import packages from multiple sources without configuration:

NPM packages

// Import from npm via esm.sh (default)
import { format } from 'date-fns';

console.log(format(new Date(), 'yyyy-MM-dd'));

Deno and JSR

// Import from deno.land/x
import { serve } from 'https://deno.land/std/http/server.ts';

// Import from jsr.io
import { encodeBase64 } from 'jsr:@std/encoding/base64';

GitHub

// Import directly from GitHub
import { component } from 'github:username/repo/file.js';
LiveCodes automatically resolves and bundles modules - no build tools required.

Embeddable SDK

The LiveCodes SDK is designed for developers:

Lightweight and fast

<5kb gzipped

Minimal bundle size won’t slow down your application.

Zero dependencies

No transitive dependencies to worry about.

TypeScript support

Full type definitions for excellent developer experience.

Framework wrappers

Official React, Vue, Svelte, and Solid components.

Programmatic control

The SDK provides extensive methods to control playgrounds:
import { createPlayground } from 'livecodes';

const playground = await createPlayground('#container');

// Run code
await playground.run();

// Get current code
const code = await playground.getCode();

// Update configuration
await playground.setConfig({
  script: {
    language: 'typescript',
    content: 'console.log("Updated!");',
  },
});

// Get shareable URL
const url = await playground.getShareUrl();

// Format code
await playground.format();

// Show/hide specific UI elements
await playground.show('console', 'compiled');

// Watch for events
playground.watch('code', (code) => {
  console.log('Code changed:', code);
});

Import and export

LiveCodes supports importing from and exporting to various formats:

Import sources

Import repositories, gists, or individual files:
https://livecodes.io/?github=username/repo

Export formats

1

JSON configuration

Export your project as a JSON file that can be imported later or shared with others.
2

HTML file

Export as a standalone HTML file that runs without LiveCodes.
3

ZIP archive

Export all project files as a ZIP for use in other editors.
4

GitHub Gist

Save directly to GitHub Gists (requires GitHub login).
5

Source files

Download individual source files (HTML, CSS, JS).

Share and collaborate

Multiple sharing options

import { getPlaygroundUrl } from 'livecodes';

// Generate a shareable URL
const url = getPlaygroundUrl({
  config: {
    markup: {
      language: 'markdown',
      content: '# Hello World!',
    },
  },
});

console.log(url);
// Output: https://livecodes.io/?x=id/NobwRAZglgngDgBwAYT...

Long URLs

Compressed code in URL query string. No expiration.

Short URLs

Shortened URLs via dpaste service. Expires in 365 days.

QR codes

Generate QR codes for easy mobile sharing.

Broadcast mode

Broadcast your code changes in real-time to multiple viewers - perfect for live coding sessions and teaching.

Sync across devices

Optionally sync your projects across devices using GitHub as a backend.

Deploy with one click

Deploy your projects to GitHub Pages directly from LiveCodes:
1

Connect GitHub

Sign in with your GitHub account (one-time setup).
2

Choose repository

Deploy to a new or existing repository.
3

Deploy

Click deploy and get a live URL in seconds.
No configuration needed - LiveCodes handles the entire deployment process.

Developer-friendly features

Built-in dev tools

Full-featured console with:
  • console.log, console.error, console.warn
  • Object inspection
  • Clear and filter buttons
  • Timestamp display

Code formatting

Automatic code formatting with Prettier integration:
  • JavaScript/TypeScript
  • HTML/CSS
  • JSON
  • Markdown
  • And more
Press Ctrl/Cmd + S to format your code in any editor.

Use cases

LiveCodes excels in scenarios where other playgrounds fall short:

Educational content

Interactive tutorials

Embed live examples in documentation and blog posts without server costs.

Coding courses

Create hands-on exercises with instant feedback for students.

Professional use

Technical interviews

Share coding challenges with candidates while respecting their privacy.

Bug reports

Create minimal reproducible examples with all 90+ languages.

Prototyping

Quickly test ideas with any framework or library from npm.

Code reviews

Share code snippets with full context and dependencies.

Open source and transparent

LiveCodes is MIT licensed and developed in the open. No vendor lock-in, no hidden costs.

Community-driven

  • Active development on GitHub
  • Welcomes contributions
  • Transparent roadmap
  • Regular updates and bug fixes

Self-hosting freedom

Unlike SaaS playgrounds:
  • Host on your own infrastructure
  • Customize to your needs
  • No dependency on external services
  • Deploy on free static hosting

Comparison with alternatives

FeatureLiveCodesOther playgrounds
Client-side execution❌ (most are server-side)
Language support90+Usually less than 20
Privacy focused❌ (code sent to servers)
Free & unlimited⚠️ (often have limits)
Self-hosting❌ (usually SaaS only)
Open source✅ MIT⚠️ (many are proprietary)
Offline capable
No account needed⚠️ (many require signup)
Lightweight SDKLess than 5kbOften more than 50kb
WebAssembly languages❌ (most lack this)

Getting started

Ready to try LiveCodes?

Start coding now

Open the playground and start experimenting

Follow the quickstart

Learn how to embed LiveCodes in your app

Explore features

Discover all the powerful features

View on GitHub

Star the repo and contribute
Join the LiveCodes community on GitHub Discussions to ask questions and share your projects!

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