Polaris is a comprehensive, open-source cloud IDE project built through a YouTube tutorial series, aiming to replicate features of Cursor AI. It targets developers seeking to learn modern full-stack development or build collaborative, AI-enhanced coding environments, offering a functional foundation with AI suggestions and real-time collaboration.

How It Works

Polaris employs a modern JavaScript/TypeScript stack, featuring Next.js 16 for the frontend, CodeMirror 6 for the editor, and Convex for real-time database capabilities. Background jobs are handled by Inngest, while authentication is managed by Clerk. AI features leverage models like Claude Sonnet 4 or Gemini 2.0 Flash, with code execution planned via WebContainer API. This architecture enables real-time, collaborative editing and AI-driven coding assistance.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Primary install/run command: git clone the repository, npm install (or pnpm install), then run npx convex dev, npm run dev, and npx inngest-cli@latest dev in separate terminals.
• Prerequisites: Node.js 20.09+, npm/pnpm. Required accounts and API keys for Clerk, Convex, Inngest, and an AI provider (Anthropic or Google AI Studio). Optional accounts for Firecrawl and Sentry.
• Setup: Requires configuring .env.local with generated API keys.
• Links: GitHub repository: https://github.com/code-with-antonio/polaris. YouTube Playlist: Coming Soon.

Highlighted Details

• Real-time collaborative code editing with instant updates via Convex.
• AI-powered code suggestions (ghost text) and quick edits via natural language (Cmd+K).
• File explorer with folder hierarchy, CRUD operations, and VSCode-style icons.
• Tab-based file navigation and auto-save with debouncing.
• Conversation sidebar for AI assistant interactions.

Maintenance & Community

This project is presented as a tutorial series (Part 1 implemented, Part 2 upcoming), indicating ongoing development tied to content release. Key sponsors like Clerk, Convex, and Inngest provide foundational technologies, suggesting strong integration within their respective ecosystems.

Licensing & Compatibility

The repository's README does not specify a software license. This omission requires clarification for any adoption, especially concerning commercial use or integration into closed-source projects.

Limitations & Caveats

Part 1 provides a functional foundation but is incomplete. Core features such as the AI agent's ability to modify files (currently mock responses only), in-browser code preview/execution via WebContainer, and GitHub import/export are slated for Part 2.