Exploring Real-World Applications of Theia: Insights from TheiaCon 2024

Eclipse Theia is an open-source platform for building tools and IDEs. Designed with flexibility in mind, it enables developers to create tailored and domain-specific tools and IDEs that run seamlessly on the desktop or in the cloud. With its modular architecture, compatibility with VS Code extensions and native support for custom AI features, Theia empowers tool builders to focus on unique features while leveraging modern web technologies. (Learn more about Theia)

One of the most fascinating aspects of Theia’s adoption is discovering how people leverage its capabilities. Some examples, like the Arduino IDE, are widely known and you find many more on the Theia website:

However, many tools and IDEs built on Theia are either used internally or not explicitly attributed to Theia. Events like TheiaCon offer a rare opportunity to see what adopters are building and how they’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Theia.

At TheiaCon 2024, three standout examples showcased Theia in action—two from industry leaders and one from academia. These talks not only highlighted the versatility of Theia but also provided deep dives into how the platform is supporting tool projects in specific domains with their unique requirements for customization. Therefore, we wanted to share the recordings with you!

1. Bringing Embedded Development to the Next Generation: Code Composer Studio’s Evolution with Theia

Texas Instruments’ Code Composer Studio (CCS) has been a cornerstone for embedded systems engineers working with TI’s microcontrollers and processors. In this session, TI presented the latest evolution of CCS, now rebuilt on the Theia platform. This transition enables a modern user experience, combining the reliability of traditional workflows with the flexibility of web-based technologies that can run both in the cloud and on desktops.

The talk showcased CCS’ integration of key tools like C/C++ compilers, a multi-core debugging environment, and project management capabilities. By leveraging Theia, TI continues to deliver a cutting-edge yet familiar environment, redefining what’s possible for embedded developers.

2. GPU Profiling and Debugging with Sokatoa: Built on Theia

Sokatoa, developed for GPU profiling, analysis, and debugging on Android, demonstrates Theia’s ability to support highly specialized tools. This lightning talk highlighted Sokatoa’s custom navigation system, flexible tab management, and tailored views. The extensibility of Theia allowed the developers to seamlessly integrate components like Perfetto and Theia’s code editor while extending the platform with backend plugins for their specific needs.

The presentation showcased Sokatoa in action, emphasizing how Theia’s platform capabilities simplify the creation of domain-specific tools with efficiency and flexibility.

3. Reducing Entry Barriers for Online Programming Exercises: Theia in an Educational Environment

In academia, Theia (and Theia Cloud for hosting) is adopted as a new key component of Artemis, an online platform for software engineering exercises. This talk focused on using Theia to address the challenges students face when learning complex IDEs and programming concepts. By integrating Theia and Theia Cloud within Artemis, educators created a cloud-based environment with tailored IDE variants and a dedicated Artemis plugin for real-time instructions and feedback.

The solution leverages Theia Cloud’s Kubernetes integration to ensure scalability and secure resource allocation. The result is a customized learning environment that reduces entry barriers, enhances accessibility, and improves the user experience for students and educators alike.

Theia: A Platform for Innovation

Theia continues to prove itself as a versatile foundation for building modern tools and IDEs, enabling innovation across diverse industries. From embedded development to GPU debugging and education, these examples highlight the transformative power of Theia in real-world applications and demonstrates the freedom Theia provides to tailor Theia-based applications to unique requirements.

If you are interested in building custom IDEs, tools or migrating existing desktop tools, EclipseSource provides consulting and implementation services. We also specialize in AI-powered tools and support for popular platforms like Eclipse Theia and VS Code.

Additionally, we offer consulting and support for hosting web-based tools in the cloud.

Get in contact with us.