Install Visual Studio Code Web on Ubuntu 24.04

Download the installer script

Installing Visual Studio Code for the Web on Ubuntu 24.04 begins with a download script. Start by updating your system and installing the `curl` tool. Then, use `curl` to download the official installation script that sets up Visual Studio Code for the Web on your system.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install curl

Run the following command to download the installer script.

curl -fsSL https://code-server.dev/install.sh | sh -s -- --dry-run

Next, execute this command to install it.

curl -fsSL https://code-server.dev/install.sh | sh

When prompted, type in your password (admin) to proceed with the installation.

Once installed, run the command below to enable it and check the service status.

sudo systemctl enable --now code-server@$USER
sudo systemctl status code-server@$USER

The command should output an active status for the app.

For security, your Visual Studio Code for the Web session on Ubuntu requires a password. Set this by editing the `config.yaml` file located in the `.config/code-server/` folder. Add your password next to the `auth: password` line in `config.yaml` to protect your work.

Open the default code-server configuration file at ~/.config/code-server/config.yaml using the `nano` editor.

nano ~/.config/code-server/config.yaml

Then, create your password for authentication.

bind-addr: 127.0.0.1:8080
auth: password
password: 6fd97c37c251428ed0f3c74e
cert: false

Finally, save the file and exit. Restart the service using the command below to apply your changes.

sudo systemctl restart code-server@$USER

Use a Reverse Proxy Server

Using a reverse proxy server, like Nginx or Apache, can significantly enhance how you access Visual Studio Code for the Web on Ubuntu. A reverse proxy helps manage network connections more efficiently, resulting in a smoother experience when you’re coding in your web browser. Guides are available to help you set one up.

Below are two articles that guide you through setting up a proxy server on Ubuntu Linux.

• How to set up a proxy server using Apache on Ubuntu
• How to set up a proxy server using nginx on Ubuntu

Set up Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate

Securing your Visual Studio Code for the Web connection on Ubuntu with a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate is important for protecting your online coding environment. This process encrypts your data and keeps your connection safe. Guides are provided to help you set up an SSL certificate using either Apache or Nginx.

• How to set up Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate with Apache on Ubuntu
• How to set up Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate with Nginx on Ubuntu

Once your environment is set up, go ahead and access the Visual Studio Code for Web portal.

http://localhost:8080

Now you’re ready to start coding.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

Installing Visual Studio Code for Web on Ubuntu 24.04 gives you a streamlined coding experience right in your browser. Here are the key things to remember:

• Visual Studio Code for Web allows for lightweight, browser-based coding without installation.
• Effective for rapid coding sessions and collaboration on various devices.
• Supports integration with cloud services like GitHub for real-time collaboration.
• Installation is straightforward using the provided installer script.
• Configuring authentication enhances the security of your coding environment.
• Setting up a reverse proxy (using Nginx or Apache) optimizes accessibility.
• Implementing Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates secures your service.
• Access your development environment via http://localhost:8080 after setup.
• Start coding and take advantage of the flexibility that this platform offers!