Toast is an emerging terminal-based IDE that aims to deliver a fully integrated development environment directly within the terminal. Unlike traditional editors like vim or emacs, which require users to build their environment through plugins and configurations, Toast comes pre-equipped with features such as managed language servers, multi-tab editing, syntax highlighting, and an integrated file tree.

Currently in early development, Toast supports syntax highlighting for several popular programming languages including Go, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Rust, CSS, HTML, YAML, Bash, and Markdown using tree-sitter. It automatically manages language servers for Go, Rust, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Markdown, offering to install missing servers as needed.

The IDE includes usability features such as spell checking for Markdown and plain text, a file tree sidebar with git status indicators, project-wide search powered by ripgrep, and an in-file find and replace tool. Users can navigate code definitions with Ctrl-hover and Ctrl-click, and access a command palette with fuzzy search and keybinding hints.

Toast supports multiple themes, including a system-derived theme, dark and light modes, and the ability to import Visual Studio Code themes. It also offers auto-save functionality with configurable delays and manual save options.

Installation options include Homebrew for macOS, downloadable binaries for various platforms, and an experimental standalone macOS app that bundles Toast within a terminal window. Developers can also build the IDE from source using Go 1.25.2 or higher.

Configuration is managed through a JSON file, allowing customization of themes, editor behavior, sidebar settings, ignored file patterns, language servers, and keybindings. This flexibility enables developers to tailor the environment to their workflow.

Toast’s approach matters because it addresses the common challenge developers face when setting up terminal editors—balancing powerful features with ease of use. By providing a ready-to-use, extensible terminal IDE, Toast could streamline development workflows for those who prefer terminal-based tools without sacrificing modern IDE capabilities.

As an early-stage project, users may encounter bugs, and the developers encourage community feedback through GitHub issues to help improve the tool.