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December 2nd, 2024 - December 6th, 2024
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Choosing a cloud-based development environment shouldn’t be hard. That's why we've put together a streamlined overview of our two popular options: code-server and Coder. Both are web-based, secure and offer impressive features. Let's begin by exploring code-server, the project that paved the way for web-based coding environments.
code-server is an open-source project that transforms Visual Studio Code (VS Code) into a server, enabling it to run on any machine. As a result, developers can access VS Code from any device with an internet connection, opening up new possibilities for remote development.
code-server stands out for its compatibility with most VS Code extensions, thanks in part to its use of Open VSX, an open-source alternative to the Visual Studio Marketplace. This feature allows developers to tailor their coding environment to their specific needs, even when working remotely. code-server customers can optionally host their own VS Code extension marketplace if they’re deploying Coder in a place without public network access e.g. corporate VPN. Details can be found here.
One of code-server's significant advantages is maintaining a consistent development environment across diverse devices, reducing issues with code behaving differently on various machines. A user can connect from any device, as the IDE (Integrated development environment) runs on a remote server. Yet, each code-server represents only one environment.
If a user needs to manage multiple environments or accommodate multiple users, they have two options, A) Launch multiple instances of code-server, potentially leading to inconsistency or configuration drift or B) Deploy Coder, a streamlined solution for maintaining uniformity and control. We will go more into Coder in a few moments.
Note: For requirements to run code-server, please read our docs here. Code-server is a component of Coder. Think of code-server as a container and Coder as Kubernetes. More details about Coder will be provided below.
Coder is an open-source platform that enables the creation and management of developer workspaces on preferred clouds and servers. By leveraging common development interfaces (SSH) and infrastructure tools (Terraform), Coder simplifies the process of provisioning and accessing remote workspaces for organizations of varying sizes and stages of cloud-native maturity.
Terraform is used to represent Coder workspaces, though no prior Terraform knowledge is necessary to use the platform. Coder provides a database of pre-made templates to facilitate workspace creation. A key benefit of using Terraform means that a workspace could be a VM or a container and run on any cloud or on-prem.
With Coder, workspaces are not limited to computing resources; users can add storage buckets, secrets, sidecars, and more using Terraform. Coder is free to use, but some features require a paid license. A trial can be requested at https://coder.com/trial.
To make it easier to understand, here's a side-by-side comparison that highlights the differences between code-server and Coder.
Both code-server and Coder are free and secure options to consider. If you are an individual starting out in remote development and need access to your desktop or remote server from a cafe, park, or anywhere with internet, use code-server. On the other hand, if you're looking for enhanced IDE support, on-demand development environments, a dedicated and secure workspace, cost-effective and efficient computing, and an improved developer experience, then Coder may be the right choice for you. Either way it’s a win win for your remote development future!
If you would like to try our premium version of Coder, which includes all of the collaboration, security, governance, and management features, please visit https://coder.com/trial to sign up.
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