Tilt

B tier on Container Development EnvironmentsScore 7.3 · #3 of 39

Android app: Not listed
Free plan: Yes
Runs on: Linux, Mac, Windows

tilt.dev

Summary

Tilt is a free, open-source development environment for teams building microservice applications that deploy to Kubernetes. It watches files, builds container images, and updates the development environment when code changes. Its live_update feature deploys changes to running containers in seconds, including compiled-language code and dependency changes. Tilt can start an entire application and automate rebuilds, while bringing logs, broken builds, and runtime errors into the development feedback loop. Its UI aggregates service logs and shows development environment state. Teams configure services and workflows with Tiltfiles using Kubernetes YAML and Docker images; documentation also describes integrating Bazel builds. Tilt works with Docker and Kubernetes and can support workflows involving Helm, Podman, or local processes. It runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows. The standard installation requires Docker, kubectl, and a local Kubernetes cluster. Tilt is maintained by Docker, Inc. under the Apache-2.0 license and costs 0.00 USD per free.

Who it is for

Tilt suits teams developing microservice applications, especially those using Kubernetes and containerized services. Its standard setup also requires Docker, kubectl, and a local Kubernetes cluster.

What is good

Live updates deploy changes to running containers in seconds.
The UI aggregates service logs and environment state.
Supports macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Free and open-source under Apache-2.0.

What to know first

Standard setup requires Docker, kubectl, and a local Kubernetes cluster.
Tilt sends anonymized usage data.
Telemetry opt-out choices can still include hashed project snippets.

Verdict

Tilt brings builds, updates, logs, and runtime feedback into a microservice development workflow. Its broad workflow options come with standard installation requirements for Docker, kubectl, and a local Kubernetes cluster.

Tilt plans and pricing

All plans

Tilt Free Open source · Apache-2.0 license github.com · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on container development environments

Free plan: Yestilt.dev

Facts

Purpose: Tilt is a microservice development environment for teams that deploy to Kubernetes.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Workflow: Tilt watches files, builds container images, and updates the development environment when code changes.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Live updates: Tilt’s live_update deploys code to running containers in seconds, including for compiled languages or dependency changes.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Orchestration: Tilt starts the whole app and runs automated rebuilds, with logs, broken builds, and runtime errors in its feedback loop.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Integrations: Tilt works with Docker and Kubernetes, and its docs describe integrating Bazel builds through a Tiltfile.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Configuration: Tiltfiles use Kubernetes YAML and Docker images to configure services and their development workflow.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Supported teams: Tilt focuses on teams developing microservice applications, where services such as databases, frontends, and web apps communicate.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Supported operating systems: Tilt is available for macOS, Linux, and Windows; installation also requires Docker, kubectl, and a local Kubernetes cluster.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Pricing: Tilt is free and open-source.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Telemetry: Tilt prompts users to opt in or out of anonymized usage analytics, and users can change their choice with the CLI.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Telemetry data: The telemetry page says Tilt does not want to collect data about users or their projects, but notes that hashed strings may still contain project snippets.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Support: Users can get real-time support in the #tilt channel of Kubernetes Slack during weekday business hours.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Maintenance: Tilt was acquired by Docker in May 2022, and its FAQ says the project is maintained as open source.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Interface: The Tilt UI aggregates service logs and gives an overview of development environment state.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Build and run options: Tilt can support development workflows without Docker or Kubernetes, including Helm, Podman, and local processes.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Extensions: Tilt has an extension system for sharing Tiltfile functionality, including team-specific scripts and custom buttons.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Editor support: Tilt provides Tiltfile support for VS Code and select JetBrains IDEs, and embeds a language server for other editors.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Platforms: Tilt is available for macOS, Linux, and Windows.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Prerequisites: The installation guide lists Docker, kubectl, and a local Kubernetes cluster as additional requirements for its standard setup.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Usage data: Tilt says it sends anonymized usage data to help improve the product.docs.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026
Security reporting: The maintainers ask that security issues be reported privately to [email protected] rather than filed as public issues.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Security bounty: The project says it does not currently offer a paid security bounty program.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Maintainer: Tilt is maintained by Docker, Inc.tilt.dev · 4 Oct 2026