How to Run VS Code in Your Browser
Zo Computer gives you a personal cloud server where you can run code, build projects, and host services. Every Zo comes with a built-in terminal and file system you can use right from your browser.
For more serious development, you can connect your favorite IDE directly to your Zo and use it as a remote development environment:
VS Code with Remote-SSH
Cursor with Remote-SSH
Windsurf with Remote-SSH
Zed with Remote Development
But what if you want VS Code in your browser—accessible from any device, without installing anything locally? That's possible too.
Why run VS Code in the browser?
A browser-based VS Code is useful when:
You're on a device where you can't install software (a work computer, a Chromebook, someone else's laptop)
You want a consistent environment that's always accessible from anywhere
You need to make quick edits from a tablet or phone
You want your development environment to keep running even when your local machine is off
Setting up VS Code Server on Zo
Zo has a setup prompt that installs and configures VS Code Server for you. Just tell your AI to run it with a password of your choice, and within a minute you'll have VS Code running at a URL like code-yourname.zocomputer.io.
The prompt handles installation, HTTPS, password authentication, and registering it as a managed service that auto-restarts.
VS Code Server vs cloud IDEs
There are several browser-based development options:
GitHub Codespaces — Fully managed, tightly integrated with GitHub. Pricing starts at $0.18/hour for a 2-core machine, with a free tier of 120 core-hours/month for personal accounts.
Gitpod (now Ona) — Works with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. Recently restructured pricing around "compute units" with a limited free tier.
vscode.dev — Free and instant, but runs entirely in your browser with no terminal access or server-side execution.
VS Code Server on Zo — Self-hosted on your own server. Unlimited usage, full terminal access, complete control. Included with your Zo subscription.
For developers who want a personal development server they own, VS Code Server on Zo is the most flexible option—no per-hour billing, no vendor lock-in, and your AI can help maintain it.
What else can you run on Zo?
VS Code Server is just one example. Your Zo Computer can host:
Workflow automation like n8n
SSH access for connecting your local IDE
Databases like PostgreSQL, SQLite, or Redis
APIs and backends for your projects
Other self-hosted tools: Jupyter notebooks, media servers, dashboards
Your AI can help you set up and manage any of these, turning what used to require DevOps expertise into a simple conversation.
Resources
code-server documentation — Official guides
VS Code documentation — Editor features and shortcuts
Zo Computer SSH guide — Connect your local IDE via SSH
Zo Computer — Your AI-powered personal server