Chamilo LMS — Codebase Overview
Repository
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| GitHub | chamilo/chamilo-lms |
| Stars | 928 |
| Forks | 536 |
| License | GPL-3.0 |
| Primary Language | PHP (29.6M lines), JavaScript (6.4M), Vue.js (2M), Twig (1.3M) |
| Created | 2013 on GitHub (project dates to 2010, forked from Dokeos) |
Tech Stack
- Backend: PHP with Symfony framework (migrating to Symfony 4+)
- Database: MySQL/MariaDB
- Frontend: Vue.js (newer components), JavaScript, Twig templates
- Build: Composer (PHP), npm/Webpack (frontend)
- APIs: REST web services
- Standards: LTI, SCORM 1.2/2004, xAPI
- Testing: Gherkin/Behat for BDD testing
- Other: Go Templates, Java (legacy components)
Architecture Highlights
- Symfony-based PHP application (major architectural shift from Chamilo 1.x)
- Vue.js for modern frontend components alongside Twig server-side templates
- Doctrine ORM for database abstraction
- Course-centric data model with tools organized per course
- Built-in social learning features (social network, messaging)
- Multi-URL feature for basic multi-tenancy
Current Versions
| Version | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| v2.0.0 RC 2 | Release candidate | March 2026 |
| v2.0.0 RC 1 | Release candidate | January 2026 |
| v1.11.36 | Stable (1.x branch) | March 2026 |
| v1.11.34 | Stable | February 2026 |
Recent Development Activity
Chamilo is actively developed with daily commits. Recent sample commits (March 2026):
Include never-logged users in inactive reportingCatalogue fixesAdmin: Add icons list link to System blockAdmin: Create Tracking block to gather tracking-related entries
Chamilo 2.0 — Major Rewrite
Chamilo 2.0 represents a complete architectural overhaul currently in RC phase:
- Redesigned interface: Collapsible left-side menu, expanded workspace, only right-side reloads for fluidity
- Symfony 4+ migration: Full adoption of modern Symfony framework
- Database restructuring: Splitting
c_item_propertyinto purpose-specific tables - Cloud-scalability: New file access layer designed for cloud deployment
- Gettext translation system: Replacing custom translation approach
- Planned features (contributor-dependent): OAuth2 authentication, expanded REST web services, SASS/LESS CSS framework, Bootstrap 4 components
Key Technical Characteristics
- Ease of use focus: Designed to be simpler to set up and use than Moodle or Canvas
- Lightweight: Lower server requirements than most competitors
- Social learning: Built-in social network, user profiles, messaging
- Skills/competency tracking: Built-in competency management
- Multi-language: Strong localization support, popular in Latin America, Europe, and Africa
- SCORM support: Robust SCORM player for courseware import
- Assessment tools: Exercises, surveys, learning paths
Development Governance
- Developed primarily by BeezNest (Belgian company) and the Chamilo Association
- Smaller core developer team compared to Moodle/Canvas
- Community contributions welcome but most development is centrally driven
- Active user community in Spanish-speaking and French-speaking regions
- Supported by the Interoperable Europe Portal (EU)