basis16

Basis16 is a collection of color schemes designed for syntax highlighting in code editors and terminal emulators. It provides a 16-color palette that is used to color code elements such as keywords, strings, comments, types, and operators, with separate variants for dark and light backgrounds. The palette is designed to be consistent across editors, so developers can switch tools without losing the visual mapping of colors to code elements.

Basis16 follows a modular approach aligned with the broader philosophy of using a fixed set of base colors to ensure readability and cross-application compatibility. Each theme defines a mapping from the 16 base colors to semantic roles and is paired with either a dark or a light background to maintain contrast and legibility. The design aims to deliver predictable colors across environments, reducing cognitive load when scanning code.

Themes in the Basis16 family are implemented as theme or color definitions for a wide range of editors, including Vim, Emacs, Sublime Text, VS Code, and various terminal emulators. They are typically distributed as installation-ready files or color schemes that can be added via editor settings or plugin managers. The project often provides resources and guidance for implementing the palettes in new tools to promote consistency.

In practical use, Basis16 seeks to improve readability and reduce eye strain by balancing hue choices and contrast. While individual preferences vary, Basis16 palettes are valued for cross-environment consistency and accessibility considerations, including distinct but non-conflicting colors that remain legible across languages and environments.