Getting Started with CDEs
Your complete quickstart guide to cloud development environments - from zero to productive in minutes
Before You Start
Any Computer
CDEs work from any machine with a browser or SSH client - even a Chromebook or tablet.
Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is required. Most CDEs work well on connections 10Mbps+.
Git Repository
Your code hosted on GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, or any Git provider.
New to Cloud Development?
No worries - you don't need to change how you code. CDEs feel like local development but run in the cloud. Your favorite IDE, keybindings, and extensions all work the same way.
5-Minute Quickstart (GitHub Codespaces)
GitHub Codespaces is the fastest way to try CDEs. Free tier includes 60 hours/month.
Go to Your Repository
Navigate to any GitHub repository you want to work on.
Press the Period Key
On any GitHub repo page, press . (period) to open github.dev instantly.
Or click the green "Code" button and select "Codespaces" tab.
Create a Codespace
Click "Create codespace on main" - your environment will be ready in ~30 seconds.
Start Coding
You're now in a full VS Code environment. Run commands in the terminal, install extensions, and commit changes.
Choose Your Platform
Different platforms suit different needs. Here's how to get started with each major CDE provider.
GitHub Codespaces
Best for GitHub-centric teams wanting zero-config cloud development.
- 60 free hours/month
- Deep GitHub integration
- No infrastructure needed
Gitpod
Container-based environments with powerful prebuilds for instant startup.
- 50 free hours/month
- Works with any Git host
- SaaS or self-hosted
Coder
Self-hosted with Terraform - ultimate flexibility and control.
- Open source core
- Any cloud or on-prem
- Enterprise compliance
DevPod
Open-source desktop app for running DevContainers anywhere.
- 100% free and open source
- Works with any provider
- Desktop + CLI
Daytona
Open-source platform focusing on developer experience.
- Apache 2.0 license
- Multi-IDE support
- Enterprise features
VS Code Remote SSH
Connect VS Code to any Linux machine via SSH - DIY approach.
- Free (your infra costs)
- Full VS Code experience
- Maximum flexibility
Connect Your Favorite IDE
VS Code
Most popular choice
Install the "Remote - SSH" extension from the marketplace
Press F1 and select "Remote-SSH: Connect to Host"
Enter your workspace SSH connection string
Host my-workspace
HostName workspace.example.com
User developer
JetBrains IDEs
IntelliJ, PyCharm, GoLand, etc.
Download JetBrains Gateway (free)
Select your CDE provider (Coder, Gitpod, etc.) or SSH
Gateway installs the IDE backend and connects you
Pro tip: Gateway only runs the frontend locally - the IDE runs on your CDE for maximum performance.
Browser-Based (No Install)
Access from any device
Most CDEs include a web-based VS Code (code-server) that runs directly in your browser. Just click a link and start coding - no installation required.
Setting Up DevContainers
DevContainers define your development environment as code. Add one to your repo and everyone gets the same setup.
Create .devcontainer/devcontainer.json
{
"name": "My Project",
"image": "mcr.microsoft.com/devcontainers/base:ubuntu",
// Install Node.js and Python
"features": {
"ghcr.io/devcontainers/features/node:1": {},
"ghcr.io/devcontainers/features/python:1": {}
},
// VS Code extensions to install
"customizations": {
"vscode": {
"extensions": [
"esbenp.prettier-vscode",
"dbaeumer.vscode-eslint"
]
}
},
// Commands to run after container starts
"postCreateCommand": "npm install",
// Ports to forward
"forwardPorts": [3000, 8080]
}Common First Tasks
Set Up Git Credentials
Most CDEs inherit credentials from your SSO login.
Forward Ports
CDEs auto-detect and forward ports to your browser.
Install Extensions
Your extensions install on the remote machine, not locally. Add them to devcontainer.json to share with your team.
Configure Secrets
Never put secrets in devcontainer.json. Use your CDE's secret management:
- - Codespaces: Repository secrets
- - Coder: Workspace parameters
- - Gitpod: Environment variables
Common Issues & Solutions
Connection drops or is slow
- - Check your internet connection stability
- - Try a wired connection instead of WiFi
- - Reduce the workspace machine type if not needed
- - Contact your IT team about firewall settings for port 22 (SSH)
Extensions not working
- - Extensions run remotely, not locally - reinstall them in the workspace
- - Some extensions require specific dependencies - check extension docs
- - UI extensions need to be installed locally, workspace extensions remotely
Git authentication issues
- - Use SSH keys instead of HTTPS for Git operations
- - Enable credential forwarding in your CDE settings
- - For Codespaces: GitHub credentials are automatic
- - For others: Add your SSH key to the workspace or use SSH agent forwarding
Workspace won't start
- - Check if you've exceeded your quota (Codespaces: 60 hours free)
- - Try rebuilding the container (may fix corrupted state)
- - Check for syntax errors in devcontainer.json
- - Review the creation logs for specific error messages