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Developers use

Desktop IDE

Your favorite editor, connected to cloud workspaces

How it works

Developers use their preferred desktop IDE. The IDE runs locally but connects to the remote workspace where code and compute live.

Supported IDEs

VS Code

Remote SSH

JetBrains

Gateway

Terminal

Vim, Emacs, etc.

Coder Gateway

Recommended

Use what you already know: No need to learn a new IDE. Your favorite editor works over SSH with Coder workspaces.

Connection

Your desktop IDE connects to a secure SSH tunnel, which then connects to a remote workspace.

Local UI

  • IDE runs on your laptop

  • Familiar keyboard shortcuts

  • Zero latency for typing

Remote compute

  • Code lives in workspace

  • Build/test on cloud CPUs

  • No code on laptop

Desktop vs Browser

Desktop IDE

Choose desktop when you:

  • Already love your desktop IDE

  • Want zero typing latency

  • Use advanced IDE features (debugger, profiler)

  • Have a reliable device

Browser IDE

Choose browser when you:

  • Need zero installation

  • Switch devices frequently

  • Use Chromebooks or tablets

  • Can't install software

Use both: Many developers use desktop IDE at their desk and browser IDE when traveling. Same workspace, different interface.

One-click connection to workspaces

Coder Gateway is a desktop app that simplifies connecting your IDE to Coder workspaces. No manual SSH configuration required.

One-click connection

Browse your workspaces, click "Connect in VS Code" or "Connect in JetBrains". Gateway handles the rest.

Auto SSH configuration

Gateway automatically configures SSH keys, ports, and tunnels. No manual ~/.ssh/config edits.

Works with VS Code + JetBrains

Gateway supports both VS Code (Remote-SSH) and JetBrains IDEs (Gateway). One tool for all your IDEs.

Download Coder Gateway: Available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Free and open source.

Performance

Desktop IDEs have zero typing latency (UI is local). Only file operations and builds depend on network. Coder uses peer-to-peer tunneling for low latency.

<50ms

Coder (peer-to-peer)

Direct connection from your laptop to workspace. Minimal latency, near-instant file sync.

100-300ms

Traditional VPN

Traffic routes through VPN gateway. Higher latency, especially from home or remote locations.

Feels like local development: Typing is instant (local UI). File operations are fast (peer-to-peer). Builds/tests use cloud compute (faster than your laptop).

FAQs

Do I need to install anything?
Yes. You need your desktop IDE (VS Code, IntelliJ, etc.) and optionally Coder Gateway. But you don't need to install dev tools, SDKs, or dependencies—those live in the workspace.
Can I use my existing VS Code extensions?
What if I lose internet connection?
Is JetBrains Gateway the same as Coder Gateway?
Can I SSH manually without Coder Gateway?

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