Development
Self-host OpenVSCode Server on a VPS
The upstream VS Code server, self-hosted.
Run an unmodified VS Code server in the browser with extension support, maintained by the VS Code team.
Why self-host OpenVSCode Server?
OpenVSCode Server gives you faithful VS Code behaviour on your own box, useful for remote and air-gapped work.
How to install OpenVSCode Server
- 1
Provision a VPS
Pick a Debian/Ubuntu template and get root SSH in about a minute.
- 2
Install the runtime
Install Node.js binary or Docker.
- 3
Deploy the application
Net what you need from the project’s official source and run it.
- 4
Put it behind TLS
Reverse-proxy with Nginx and issue a Let’s Encrypt certificate.
- 5
Add it to your backups
Include the data directory and database in your backup routine before you rely on it.
Practical tips
- Give OpenVSCode Server its own database user with rights only on its own schema.
- Reverse-proxy OpenVSCode Server and terminate TLS at the proxy so certificates are managed in one place.
- Take a VPS snapshot before major upgrades so you can roll back cleanly.
- Keep OpenVSCode Server patched — most self-hosting incidents are unpatched software.
Frequently asked questions
- How much RAM does OpenVSCode Server need?
- Plan on 2–4 GB for typical use; add headroom if you expect many concurrent users.
- What stack does OpenVSCode Server run on?
- Node.js binary or Docker.
- Can I run other things on the same VPS?
- Yes — size the plan so OpenVSCode Server plus your other workloads fit in RAM with room to spare.
Looking for something else? Popular alternatives include code-server, Eclipse Che, Jupyter (notebooks) — browse all app guides.