Nova

Name: Nova
Brand: Nova

A fast, native Mac code editor with built-in Git, debugging, and live previews.

softwareIDEs & Code Editorsmac editornative idegit integration

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Our Verdict

Best for

Mac developers who want a fast native editor with Git and live preview built in.

Skip if

You need cross-platform support or work primarily on Windows or Linux.

What is Nova?

Nova is a code editor and lightweight IDE built exclusively for macOS by Panic, the makers of Transmit and Coda. It uses native Apple frameworks for speed and responsiveness, combining a text editor, file transfer client, and Git client in one focused workspace. Nova ships with built-in debugging, task runners for build and run commands, and live web previews that update as you type. Its extension system is written in JavaScript and covers everything from language servers to custom sidebars, and Nova includes first-class support for Rust, Swift, and C/C++ alongside general web development languages.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App

open source❌ No

api available❌ No

Key Features of Nova

Nova is built entirely with native Apple frameworks, so it launches quickly and feels responsive on macOS.

A built-in Git client handles cloning, staging, committing, and pushing without leaving the editor.

Live web previews update in the sidebar as you edit HTML, CSS, or JavaScript.

An integrated debugger supports breakpoints and console output for supported languages.

Remote file transfer lets you edit files on FTP, SFTP, and other remote servers directly.

Task runners let you define custom build and run commands per project.

The extension library, written in JavaScript, adds language servers, themes, and custom sidebars.

Native language support covers Rust, Swift, and C/C++ alongside standard web languages.

Use Cases for Nova

Web development with live preview

Edit HTML/CSS/JS and see changes reflected instantly in Nova's live preview pane.

Native Mac app development

Write Swift and Objective-C projects with native language support and debugging.

Remote server editing

Connect over SFTP/FTP to edit files on a remote server directly inside the editor.

Git-based projects

Manage commits, branches, and pushes using the built-in Git client without a separate app.

Pros & Cons of Nova

Pros

Fast, native macOS performance
Git and file transfer built in without plugins
Live preview speeds up web development
One-time purchase instead of a subscription

Cons

macOS only, no Windows or Linux version
Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
Some advanced language support requires extensions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nova free to use?

Nova offers a free 30-day trial; after that, a one-time license purchase is required to keep using it.

Does Nova run on Windows or Linux?

No, Nova is built exclusively for macOS and does not have Windows or Linux versions.

Can I extend Nova with plugins?

Yes, Nova supports a JavaScript-based extension system for language servers, themes, and custom tooling.

Does Nova include Git support?

Yes, Git integration for cloning, committing, and pushing is built directly into the editor.

Pricing Overview

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Paid (One-time)

Nova (Lifetime License)

$99

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