GitHub Codespaces
Blazing fast cloud-based dev environments, configured in seconds.
Launch Time
Under 10 seconds
Free Tier
Free core hours included for all GitHub users
Max Machine Size
Up to 32-core, 64GB RAM
About GitHub Codespaces
GitHub Codespaces offers fully-managed, high-performance development environments in the cloud. By defining a `devcontainer.json` file in a repository, teams can standardize their development setup with specific tools, extensions, and configurations. Developers can launch a new codespace for any branch or pull request in seconds, pre-loaded with all dependencies. It supports a web-based VS Code editor or can connect to a local VS Code client for a familiar experience. The service includes flexible compute options (from 2-core to 32-core machines), centralized management of secrets and settings, and simple, usage-based pricing, making it ideal for individual developers, open-source contributors, and large enterprises seeking to streamline their development workflows and improve onboarding.
Core Features
Custom Environments
Define your development environment as code with devcontainer.json files to standardize tools, runtimes, and extensions.
Editor Choice
Use the full VS Code experience in your browser or connect from your local VS Code desktop application.
Prebuilds
Automatically prebuild your environment, including dependencies and extensions, for even faster startup times.
Port Forwarding
Securely forward ports from your codespace to access running web applications and services from your local browser.
Dotfiles Integration
Personalize your environment by linking a dotfiles repository to apply your preferred shell settings, aliases, and tools.
Compute Options
2-Core
4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage
4-Core
8 GB RAM, 64 GB storage
8-Core
16 GB RAM, 128 GB storage
16-Core
32 GB RAM, 128 GB storage
32-Core
64 GB RAM, 128 GB storage
Integrations
Github Repositories
Natively integrated with GitHub for creating environments for any branch, commit, or pull request.
Vs Code
Full integration with the Visual Studio Code editor, both on the web and desktop.
Github Cli
Manage your codespaces directly from the terminal using the `gh` command-line tool.
Github Actions
Automate prebuild creation and other development workflows using GitHub Actions.