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Code-server

Code-server

x86-64 arm64 · 🐳 Docker · Documentation · http://<your.IP>:8443

Code-server is VS Code running on a remote server, accessible through the browser. This brings the full power of Visual Studio Code to any device with a web browser, eliminating the need for local installations while maintaining a consistent development environment across all your devices.

Built on the VS Code open-source base, code-server provides enterprise-grade remote development capabilities with the familiar VS Code interface. It’s maintained by LinuxServer.io and optimized for containerized deployments, making it perfect for development on ARM devices, cloud servers, or homelab environments.

Key Features

  • Full VS Code Experience: Complete access to the VS Code extension marketplace, themes, and settings
  • Browser-Based Access: Development environment available from Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
  • Resource Efficiency: Offload compilation and development tasks to more powerful servers
  • Persistent Workspaces: All settings, extensions, and files saved across sessions
  • Multi-User Support: Each container provides an isolated development environment
  • SSH Integration: Built-in terminal for direct server access and command-line operations
  • Extension Marketplace: Install thousands of VS Code extensions for any language or framework
  • Cross-Platform: Develop from Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android devices

Perfect for developers working on ARM-based SBCs, cloud instances, or homelab servers who need a consistent, powerful development environment accessible from anywhere.

Install from armbian-config → Software → Dev Tools → Code-server

CLI install
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armbian-config --cmd COD001
  • Default Login: No password required by default (see optional variables below)

Note: Code-server uses HTTPS with a self-signed certificate by default. Your browser may show a security warning - this is normal for self-signed certificates.

  • Install directory: /armbian/code-server
  • Configuration directory: /armbian/code-server/config

You can customize code-server by passing additional environment variables:

  • PASSWORD - Set a simple password for web UI access (not recommended for production)
  • HASHED_PASSWORD - Set a hashed password for enhanced security (recommended)
  • SUDO_PASSWORD - Set a password for sudo access within code-server terminal
  • PROXY_DOMAIN - Configure proxy domain for reverse proxy setups
  • DEFAULT_WORKSPACE - Set the default workspace directory
  • PWA_APPNAME - Customize the PWA (Progressive Web App) name

To add these variables, edit the container and restart:

Bash
1
2
3
docker stop code-server
docker rm code-server
# Then reinstall with modified environment variables
Bash
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docker logs -f code-server

To generate a hashed password for the HASHED_PASSWORD variable:

Bash
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docker run -it --rm lscr.io/linuxserver/code-server:latest hash_password
  • Browser shows certificate warning: Accept the security warning to proceed (self-signed certificate)
  • Cannot access web UI: Check if port 8443 is open in your firewall
  • Extensions not installing: Check internet connectivity from the container
  • Slow performance: Consider increasing Docker resource limits

All armbian-config commands

Action Command
Install armbian-config --api module_code-server install
Code-server remove armbian-config --api module_code-server remove
Code-server purge with data folder armbian-config --api module_code-server purge
Status armbian-config --api module_code-server status
Help armbian-config --api module_code-server help

Part of Armbian’s Applications and tools for development software.