StackBlitz is a software development platform that offers an integrated development environment (IDE) directly accessible through web browsers. Founded in 2017 by Eric Simons and Albert Pai in San Francisco, California, StackBlitz enables users to develop applications using modern JavaScript frameworks such as React, Angular, and Vue without the need to set up a local development environment. Through a WebAssembly-based micro operating system called WebContainers, StackBlitz launches isolated Node.js environments within the browser, allowing the entire development process to occur natively in-browser.

Development Environment and Technology

StackBlitz delivers an editor experience similar to Visual Studio Code, supporting features such as IntelliSense, in-project search, go-to-definition, and other code navigation tools—all within the browser. Its integration with npm (Node Package Manager) enables users to install and manage dependencies directly from the browser. Missing dependencies are automatically detected and suggested during code writing. Thanks to WebContainers, development environments can be launched instantly without the need for virtual machines or remote servers. Each StackBlitz project is hosted in a unique URL with live preview and debugging capabilities.

Offline Functionality

Built on a Progressive Web App (PWA) architecture, StackBlitz allows for offline development. Users can drag and drop files and folders into the platform, which automatically parses and integrates them into the project. Projects can be exported as .zip files and run locally with tools like Create React App or Angular CLI.

Enterprise Use

StackBlitz Enterprise offers security, customization, and deployment features at the organizational level. With WebContainers providing isolated browser environments, code runs securely without being executed on virtual machines, reducing latency and startup times. The enterprise version can be deployed on Kubernetes clusters and integrates with tools such as GitHub Enterprise, GitLab, Bitbucket, JFrog Artifactory, and Sonatype Nexus. It also includes advanced access control, Single Sign-On (SSO) integration, and dedicated support services.

Bolt Platform

In 2024, StackBlitz launched Bolt.new, a platform focused on AI-assisted software development. Integrated with Claude 3.5 Sonnet, a large language model developed by Anthropic, Bolt allows users to create fully functional web applications using natural language inputs. This significantly reduces development time and has led to rapid adoption, with the platform generating $4 million in annual revenue within its first month. Bolt aims to democratize application development by removing technical barriers.

Open Source Ecosystem Engagement

StackBlitz is known for its support of open-source development. It provides ongoing financial support and employs full-time developers for projects like Vite, Volar, and Vitest. In 2023, the company joined the Open Source Pledge led by Sentry, and it also launched the Bolt 100K Open Source Fund to promote the sustainability of projects like Vue, Vite, emnapi, napi.rs, and ESLint.

WebContainers and Technical Innovations

WebContainers, developed by StackBlitz, allow Node.js environments to run entirely within the browser. Unlike traditional online IDEs that rely on remote virtual machines, WebContainers execute code locally in the browser. This eliminates network latency, reduces resource consumption, and minimizes security risks.

Integrations

StackBlitz integrates with tools such as Figma, Storybook, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Jira. Users can import components from Figma, edit Storybook components live, and contribute directly via Git. The Web Publisher feature allows non-technical users to edit documentation pages through the browser interface.

Enterprise Use Cases

Organizations including Google, Meta, Shopify, Salesforce, Mozilla, Intel, Stripe, and Cloudflare use StackBlitz for tasks such as testing design systems, debugging, updating documentation, and streamlining team collaboration. The platform stands out for its innovative approach to browser-based development environments, its WebContainers technology, and its contributions to open-source software. StackBlitz aims to provide a fast, secure, and fully integrated development experience for both individual developers and enterprise teams.