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The Eclipse Foundation has announced the public release of Theia AI, a customizable open framework for integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into development tools, and the alpha release of the AI-powered Theia IDE, an open source Integrated Development Environment built on that framework. Both initiatives, contributed by EclipseSource, aim to deliver flexible, transparent, and developer-controlled AI capabilities in contrast to proprietary platforms.
Theia AI allows developers and tool builders to seamlessly integrate LLMs of their choice—cloud-based, self-hosted, or local—into their tools and IDEs. The framework supports advanced features like agentic workflows, context-aware suggestions, and intelligent assistance, enabling fully tailored AI-driven user experiences. After extensive beta testing, it is now available for general use.
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The AI-powered Theia IDE, now in alpha, demonstrates Theia AI’s potential through intelligent code assistance, AI-powered terminal interactions, and integration with external tools and contextual data. It supports flexible LLM selection and includes SCANOSS integration for open source license compliance.
“Proprietary AI development platforms are locking developers and tool builders into inflexible, opaque, and single vendor ecosystems,” said Mike Milinkovich, executive director of the Eclipse Foundation. “With Theia AI, we are putting control back in the hands of developers, enabling them to integrate AI on their own terms—fully open, extensible, and adaptable to their needs. Whether building custom AI-driven tools or leveraging the Theia IDE with built-in AI support, Theia AI ensures that developers remain in control of their data, workflows, and strategic direction.”
Unlike closed AI ecosystems, these tools provide transparency, customizability, and community-driven innovation. Developers can fine-tune prompt engineering, agent behaviors, data access, and UI design to fit their exact needs, ensuring full control over their workflows and strategic direction.
The Theia IDE further expands possibilities with Model Contextual Protocol (MCP) support, allowing deep integration with external tools and systems. Developers retain full visibility into AI processes and can adapt AI behavior through customizable prompts and data management.
These releases underscore the Eclipse Foundation’s commitment to openness, flexibility, and developer empowerment amid growing concerns over vendor lock-in and opaque AI systems.
