Zed

Zed is a high-performance, open-source code editor designed for collaborative software development. It was created by the team behind Atom and Tree-sitter. The editor focuses on speed and efficiency, aiming to be a fast integrated development environment (IDE). It includes features for real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on code together. Zed also offers AI integration as an optional component, suggesting it can assist with coding tasks.

The development of Zed includes advancements like GPUI, a GPU-accelerated user interface framework, and ongoing work on performance optimizations such as caching strategies for data structures like SumTree. The project also mentions "Delta," a future multiplayer environment for coding with agents, powered by DeltaDB, indicating a roadmap for advanced collaborative and AI-driven features.

Best for

• Developers seeking a fast, responsive code editor.
• Teams requiring real-time collaborative coding features.
• Users interested in optional AI assistance during development.
• Developers familiar with Atom looking for a modern alternative.
• Projects that benefit from an open-source development environment.

Frequently asked questions

Is Zed open source?

Yes, Zed is an open-source code editor.

Who created Zed?

Zed was created by the team behind the Atom editor and Tree-sitter.

Does Zed support AI features?

Yes, Zed offers AI integration as an optional feature.

Can multiple users code together in Zed?

Yes, Zed is built for multiplayer collaboration, allowing real-time shared coding.

What is GPUI?

GPUI is a GPU-accelerated user interface framework used in Zed to enhance performance.

What is Delta?

Delta is a future multiplayer environment for coding with agents, powered by DeltaDB, currently estimated for 2026.

Alternatives

• Visual Studio Code – Pick Visual Studio Code for a widely adopted, free, and extensible code editor with a large ecosystem of extensions.
• PhpStorm – Choose PhpStorm if you are a PHP developer looking for a specialized IDE with advanced features tailored for PHP development.
• Komodo Edit – Consider Komodo Edit for a robust and efficient code editor that balances functionality with simplicity.
• Espresso – Select Espresso if you need an all-in-one platform for writing, coding, designing, building, and publishing projects, particularly for web development.
• CodeMate – Opt for CodeMate if you need a tool focused on accelerating coding through searching, navigating, and understanding complex codebases with AI assistance.