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Step 1Open the server Apps tab
Select the tutorial-vps VPS, open the Apps tab, and start a new app deployment. Keep sensitive server details hidden before capturing or sharing screenshots.
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Cloud IDE (code-server)
Development512MB+ RAM
Browser-based VS Code IDE — code from any device, with full Linux shell, extensions, and Git, served as a substitute for the discontinued Cloud9 IDE
developmentdevtoolscloudidecodeserveropen-sourceself-hosteddocker
Deploy Cloud IDE (code-server) in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select Cloud IDE (code-server)
Choose from our template library
3
Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy Cloud IDE on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the Cloud IDE template in Server Compass to deploy VS Code in the browser on your VPS, then verify the password login screen.
About 10 minutesBrowser verified
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Step 2Choose an app template
Click New App and choose the template deployment path so Server Compass can load the built-in catalog.
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Step 3Search for Cloud IDE
Use the template picker search to find Cloud IDE in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the Cloud IDE template
Choose the Cloud IDE template. Server Compass fills the code-server service, persistent `/config/workspace` volume, generated login password, sudo password, and web port.
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Step 5Review the Cloud IDE settings
Confirm the app name and compose services. In this run, the app was named cloud9-demo and used host port 4188.
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Step 6Deploy Cloud IDE
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the web port is available, keep the generated login password hidden, and click Deploy Now.
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Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass uploads the compose file, pulls the Cloud IDE image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm Cloud IDE is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the Cloud IDE app is marked Running with its application URL available.
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Step 9Open Cloud IDE in the browser
Click Open Application or open the application URL in a browser. The Cloud IDE password screen confirms the browser IDE is reachable without exposing the generated password.
After Cloud IDE (code-server) Opens
- Store the generated Cloud IDE password in a secure password manager.
- Add a domain and HTTPS before exposing the browser IDE outside a private network.
- Use a VPN, IP allowlist, or authenticated reverse proxy for production source-code access.
- Install only trusted extensions and keep the Cloud IDE image updated.
- Back up the Cloud IDE data volume before relying on it for workspace state.
Cloud IDE (code-server) deployment questions
What does the Cloud IDE template deploy?
It deploys the code-server Cloud IDE container with a persistent `/config` volume, `/config/workspace` default workspace path, generated login password, and sudo password.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 4188, which maps to the Cloud IDE web UI on the same generated internal port.
Why does the browser verification stop at the first web UI screen?
A fresh Cloud IDE deployment is considered reachable when the password login form loads. The tutorial does not type or publish the generated password.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the Cloud IDE template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
After Deployment
After deploying Cloud IDE (code-server) with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
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Visit http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:{{PORT}} and log in with PASSWORD
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Open the integrated terminal (Ctrl+`) and verify sudo works using SUDO_PASSWORD
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Install extensions via the sidebar (e.g. ESLint, GitLens, language packs)
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Clone your repo into /config/workspace and start coding
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(Optional) Put code-server behind Traefik/HTTPS via the Domains tab so it is reachable from your custom domain
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
Cloud IDE (code-server) FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting Cloud IDE (code-server)
How do I deploy Cloud IDE (code-server) with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select Cloud IDE (code-server) from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.
What are the system requirements for Cloud IDE (code-server)?
Cloud IDE (code-server) requires a minimum of 512MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 1024MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing Cloud IDE (code-server) data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard Cloud IDE (code-server) backup and restore procedures.
How do I update Cloud IDE (code-server) to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest Cloud IDE (code-server) image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is Cloud IDE (code-server) free to self-host?
Cloud IDE (code-server) is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.
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