code-server

Self-Hosted

Run Visual Studio Code on a remote server, accessible via browser

Overview

code-server lets developers access Visual Studio Code through a web browser from any device. It supports all VS Code extensions, customizations, and keyboard shortcuts, enabling seamless remote development workflows. Deployable via Docker, Kubernetes, or direct installation on Linux/macOS/Windows servers. Ideal for teams collaborating on shared environments or individuals working from multiple devices without local setup. Secure with HTTPS support and integrates with Git. Perfect for remote work, cloud development, or using a powerful IDE on low-resource devices.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  code_server:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: code-server
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Full Visual Studio Code experience via web browser
Supports all VS Code extensions and customizations
Deployable via Docker, Kubernetes, or direct server installation
Secure HTTPS access for remote development workflows

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is code-server hard to install?

code-server is easy to install using Docker (a single command) or package managers like npm. Official Helm charts simplify Kubernetes deployments, and detailed documentation guides beginners through direct setup on Linux/macOS/Windows servers.

? Is code-server a good alternative to GitHub Codespaces?

Yes—code-server offers similar remote VS Code functionality but is self-hosted, giving full control over data and infrastructure. Unlike GitHub Codespaces, it has no subscription costs, though you need to manage your own server hosting.

? Is code-server completely free?

Yes—code-server is open source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute. There are no hidden fees for core features, though server hosting costs may apply depending on your setup.

Top Alternatives

GitHub Codespaces Search Google

Gitpod Search Google

AWS Cloud9 Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Software Development - IDE & Tools

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Self-hosted for full control over data and infrastructure
⊕ Access VS Code from any device with a browser
⊕ No recurring subscription fees
⊕ Compatible with all VS Code extensions and keyboard shortcuts

Cons

⊖ Requires server setup and technical infrastructure management
⊖ Performance depends on network speed and server resources
⊖ Needs active internet connection to access remotely
⊖ Manual updates required for self-hosted instances