Recently, Microsoft introduced Visual Studio Code Server, a backend service that runs on remote development machines. Users can install the service anywhere (local development machine, cloud VM, etc.) and then use the web version of VS Code ( vscode.dev ) to securely connect to that remote machine through a browser for development without the hassle of setting up SSH or https .
In 2019, Microsoft released the VS Code remote development extension , which allows users to develop in the Linux For Windows Subsystem (WSL), on a remote computer connected via SSH, and directly from the VS Code development container. The remote development extension requires a server to be installed in the remote environment to facilitate smooth interaction between the local VS Code and the remote source code and runtime.
The independent "VS Code Server" launched this time is a service built on the same underlying server used by remote development extensions. But it also includes some extra features, like a CLI that makes it easy to install, update, manage, and connect to services, as well as provide a secure connection to vscode.dev.
These extra features make VS Code remote development more applicable, such as " secure connection with vscode.dev ", which means that the vscode web version can easily connect to the remote machine, and you can log in to vscode.dev with a tablet in time. Remote development. ( You can work overtime without a computer at home. )
scenes to be used
VS Code Server allows more ways to use VS Code, such as:
- Develop on remote computers with limited SSH support, or require web-based access.
- Develop on a machine that does not support the desktop version of VS Code, such as an iPad/tablet or Chromebook .
- Experience the benefits of client-side security where all code is executed in the browser sandbox .
Architecture
VS Code Server's CLI establishes a tunnel ( Tunneling ) between the VS Code client (vscode.dev) and the remote computer, securely transferring data from one network to another.
The VS Code Server experience consists of several main components:
- VS Code Server: A backend server running on a remote machine, and a CLI for easy installation, updating, administration, and connecting to the server.
- Remote-Server extension: This extension is automatically loaded into the local VS Code client to facilitate connecting to remote machines.
common problem
- Q: Can multiple users access the same remote instance of VS Code Server?
A: No, the service is designed to be accessed by a single user only.
- Q: Is there a limit to the number of remote machines?
A: Currently, there can only be a maximum of 10 remote machines running the same VS Code Server.
- Q: Can VS Code Server be hosted as a service?
A: Not allowed, this behavior is expressly prohibited in the VS Code Server license .
At present, the VS Code Server function is still a private preview. Friends who want to experience this function need to register to request access rights.
Related Links:
- VS Code Server release announcement: https://code.visualstudio.com/blogs/2022/07/07/vscode-server
- VS Code Server official documentation: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/remote/vscode-server