natboxcode-server hosting: VS Code in your browser
code-server is VS Code running on a server, which you use from a browser tab. Your projects, terminal and extensions live on the server, so you can pick up where you left off from a laptop, a tablet or a borrowed computer. natbox installs it for you on Box, at $1.25 a month, protected by a password.
Which plan for code-server
| Plan | RAM | CPU | SSD | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box | 1 GB | 1 shared core | 10 GB | $1.25 a month |
| Box Plus | 2 GB | 2 shared cores | 20 GB | $2.25 a month |
| Box CPU | 1 GB | 1 dedicated core | 10 GB | $4.50 a month |
Box is fine for scripts, web projects and learning. Choose Box Plus for heavier language servers, such as TypeScript or Java on larger projects. The one-click install is offered on Box, Box Plus and Box CPU.
How to set it up
- Order Box and choose code-server as the one-click app, on Debian or Ubuntu.
- Open the App tab in the client area. It shows the address and the password.
- Add HTTPS before you rely on it. Link a domain in the Domains tab and put Caddy in front of code-server, so your password and code are encrypted on the way.
- Install the extensions and tools you need, as you would on your own computer.
Good to know
- The one-click install starts on plain HTTP. Some VS Code features, such as clipboard access and webviews, need HTTPS, which the domain step above gives you.
- Docker is not available inside the server, so dev containers do not work. Install your languages and tools directly.
- Keep the password long and secret: anyone with it has a terminal on your server.
code-server questions
Is code-server the same as VS Code?
It is the open-source VS Code, adapted to run on a server and be used from a browser. Most extensions work. It uses the Open VSX extension store instead of Microsoft's.
Can I use it from an iPad or Chromebook?
Yes. Any modern browser works, which is one of the main reasons people use it.
Can I also use VS Code on my computer with Remote SSH?
Yes. You have root SSH, so desktop VS Code's Remote SSH extension works too (set up SSH keys).
Is my code backed up?
Plans do not include managed backups. You can take snapshots yourself from the Snapshots tab, but they live on the same server, so also push your code to Git, for example a Gitea server or GitHub, and see the backups guide.
Also useful: Run any app on your server, Secure your server.