JSFiddle

Best Self-hosted Alternatives to JSFiddle

A curated collection of the 3 best self hosted alternatives to JSFiddle.

Browser-based code editor and playground for HTML, CSS and JavaScript that lets users write, run, fork and share interactive front-end code snippets ('fiddles'). Supports external resources, embedded previews and simple collaboration.

Alternatives List

#1
Rustpad

Rustpad

Efficient, minimal collaborative code editor with real-time editing in the browser, OT-based syncing, WebSocket communication, and optional SQLite persistence.

Rustpad screenshot

Rustpad is an efficient, minimal collaborative text editor for writing code together in the browser. It uses an operational transformation (OT) approach for real-time collaboration and is designed to be lightweight, with no database required by default.

Key Features

  • Real-time collaborative editing over WebSocket connections
  • OT-based synchronization designed for low-latency concurrent editing
  • Monaco Editor-based web UI (VS Code editor component)
  • In-memory document storage with automatic garbage collection for inactive pads
  • Optional persistence via SQLite snapshots to retain documents across restarts
  • Simple deployment as a small Docker image

Use Cases

  • Pair programming and live code review sessions
  • Sharing temporary collaborative notes or code snippets during incidents
  • Lightweight collaborative editor for internal teams without heavy dependencies

Limitations and Considerations

  • By default, documents are transient and can be lost on restart or after the inactivity expiry window unless SQLite persistence is configured

Rustpad is a good fit when you want a fast, no-frills collaborative editor that is easy to deploy and operate. Its minimal architecture and optional persistence make it practical for temporary collaboration as well as lightweight long-running installations.

4kstars
194forks
View Details
#2
LiveCodes

LiveCodes

Open-source, browser-based code playground that runs entirely client-side; supports 90+ languages and embeddable demos, with Docker-based self-hosting.

LiveCodes screenshot

LiveCodes is a client-side code playground that runs entirely in the browser. It can be self-hosted on static file servers or CDNs, with a Docker-based setup to host additional services as needed.

Key Features

  • Client-side code playground that runs in the browser with 90+ languages/frameworks/processors
  • Embeddable in web pages via a lightweight SDK and simple embed options
  • No servers required for core functionality; standalone or embedded usage is supported
  • Import modules from npm, deno.land/x, jsr, GitHub and others
  • Developer-friendly embedding and deployment workflow, including a Docker-based self-hosting path
  • Comprehensive editor and tooling, including code formatting, intellisense, and optional AI assistance

Use Cases

  • Embed an interactive playground into documentation and tutorials for hands-on learning
  • Host private or internal coding environments without needing to manage back-end infrastructure
  • Standalone or embedded playgrounds for teams to experiment with multiple languages and frameworks

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some features rely on external services (e.g., short URLs, broadcast) and may not be available in purely static self-hosted deployments
  • If you require those services in a self-hosted setup, you can use the included docker setup to run compatible services
  • The core experience runs in the browser; certain advanced services may require additional hosting or configuration when self-hosted

Conclusion: LiveCodes provides a no-install, client-side playground with broad language support and an embeddable design, suitable for docs, tutorials, and in-app coding experiences. The project also offers Docker-based self-hosting for more control over services when needed.

1.4kstars
233forks
View Details
#3
Atheos

Atheos

Atheos is a self-hosted, web-based cloud IDE and code editor with a small footprint, featuring plugins, multi-user support, and built-in Git integration.

Atheos screenshot

Atheos is a self-hosted, browser-based cloud IDE and code editor originally built as a maintained fork and major rewrite of the Codiad IDE. It focuses on a small server footprint while providing a modern in-browser development experience for teams or individuals.

Key Features

  • Web-based editor with file/project management and split editor views
  • Multi-user support with a more complete permission system
  • Built-in Git integration
  • Plugin system with a library/marketplace for extending functionality
  • Editor productivity features such as advanced search tools, autocomplete, and syntax themes
  • Error checking, notifications, and client-side resilience features (for example LocalStorage redundancy)

Use Cases

  • Lightweight, self-hosted development environment for small teams and homelabs
  • Remote editing and quick project changes on servers without installing a desktop IDE
  • Extensible web IDE platform for building custom plugins and workflows

Limitations and Considerations

  • No built-in automatic updater; upgrades typically require manually copying files while preserving config/data/workspaces
  • Designed for a classic PHP web stack and expects certain directories to be writable by the web server

Atheos is a practical option when you want an in-browser IDE that is easy to deploy, does not require a database, and can be customized through plugins. It aims to keep the simplicity of Codiad while modernizing the codebase and adding features for day-to-day development.

647stars
92forks
View Details

Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running