Hosting IDEs and tools online - lessons learned

January 22, 2024 | 2 min Read

The transition to cloud-based tools and IDEs is reshaping the landscape of software development. However, the details of hosting tools and IDEs online present unique challenges. If you’re considering or already on this journey, read on! In the video below, we share our experiences with hosting IDEs and tools in the cloud.

Hosting tools and IDEs in the cloud presents a distinct set of challenges compared to standard web applications. These tools often require more intensive resource allocation, often even dedicated resources and a filesystem, as well as heightened security measures. Additionally, IDEs and development tools follow different authentication flows and deployment strategies, making their cloud hosting demands significantly different from those of more straightforward web applications.

Our recent talk at TheiaCon 2023, “Hosting Theia in the Cloud - Lessons Learned”, addresses these challenges head-on. We are pleased to share that the recording of this informative session is now accessible to all, you can watch it below.

This presentation is tailored for professionals looking to navigate the complexities of cloud hosting, particularly for tools and IDEs. With the widespread adoption of Kubernetes, our talk delves into the specific challenges associated with hosting these services compared to desktop and traditional web-based applications. Key topics covered include:

  • Effective Build and Test Strategies

  • Implementing Robust Security Measures

  • Strategies for Hardening Cloud Services

  • Monitoring for Optimal Performance

  • Managing Upgrades and Updates

Our discussion is grounded in practical experience, offering insights into real-world scenarios and solutions. Additionally, the talk highlights contributions from the Theia Cloud project, which provides an open-source, Kubernetes-based framework for addressing these challenges.

At EclipseSource, we’re committed to guiding and assisting in the creation of web and cloud-based custom tools and IDEs. Whether your interest lies in hosting tools and IDEs in the cloud, Theia Cloud, Eclipse Theia, Code OSS, or related technologies, our team is equipped to provide expert consulting and implementation services to make sure you reach the best possible decision for your specific goals. Get in contact with us to discuss your use case!

Jonas, Maximilian & Philip

Jonas Helming, Maximilian Koegel and Philip Langer co-lead EclipseSource. They work as consultants and software engineers for building web-based and desktop-based tools. …