Eclipse Che
Self-HostedOpen-source cloud IDE for collaborative software development
Overview
Eclipse Che is a cloud-native, open-source IDE designed for collaborative work. It uses containerized workspaces to eliminate 'it works on my machine' issues, supporting languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript. Integrates with Kubernetes/Docker for deployment, offering real-time collaboration, VS Code extension compatibility, and built-in debuggers. Deployable on-premises, private clouds, or public platforms (AWS/GCP), ideal for distributed teams seeking scalable, self-hosted development tools.
Key Features
- Containerized, consistent development workspaces
- Real-time collaborative coding environments
- VS Code extension support & Kubernetes integration
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Eclipse Che hard to install?
It depends on your setup. Docker Compose offers a simple start for small teams, while Kubernetes deployment requires basic cluster knowledge. Official docs provide step-by-step guides for both options.
? Is it a good alternative to GitHub Codespaces?
Yes! It’s a robust open-source alternative with self-hosting capabilities, avoiding vendor lock-in. It matches Codespaces’ cloud IDE features and adds containerized workspace consistency.
? Is it completely free?
Absolutely. Eclipse Che is licensed under Apache 2.0—free to use, modify, and self-host. No subscription fees apply to the core platform; enterprise support is available via third parties.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Self-hostable for full privacy and infrastructure control
- ⊕ Eliminates environment inconsistencies across teams
Cons
- ⊖ Requires Kubernetes or Docker infrastructure for deployment
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve for initial setup and configuration