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VSCode Remote Development

Setting up VSCode for remote development on DS01.

Prerequisites​

  • VS Code installed locally
  • Remote-SSH extension
  • SSH key configured

Setup​

1. Install Extension​

  • Open VS Code
  • Extensions → Search "Remote - SSH"
  • Install "Remote - SSH" by Microsoft

2. Configure SSH​

First, set up SSH if you haven't already. You need ~/.ssh/config with your DS01 connection details configured.

3. Connect​

  • VS Code: Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P or Ctrl+Shift+P)
  • "Remote-SSH: Connect to Host"
  • Select "ds01"

4. Open Workspace​

  • File → Open Folder
  • Navigate to /home/your-username/workspace/my-project

Working with Containers​

Container must be running first. Start your container via terminal before connecting:

ssh ds01
container-deploy <project-name> --background

Option 1: SSH into container

Add to ~/.ssh/config:

Host ds01-container
    HostName 10.1.23.20
    User <your-username>@hertie-school.lan
    RemoteCommand docker exec -it <project-name>._.<user-id> bash
    RequestTTY yes

Replace <project-name> and <user-id> with your actual values (e.g., my-thesis._.12345).

Option 2: Dev Containers extension

  • Install "Dev Containers" extension
  • Use attach to running container

Running Notebooks in VS Code​

Selecting a Kernel​

When opening a notebook, VS Code prompts you to select a kernel:

  1. Click "Select Kernel" or the kernel indicator in the top-right
  2. Choose "Python Environments"
  3. Select /usr/bin/python (Python 3.10.12)

Note: You may see both /usr/bin/python and /bin/python listed - they're identical (symlinks). Either works.

Python Environment​

DS01 containers replace virtual environments - you don't need venv or conda inside containers.

For details on installing packages and environment management:

Tips​

Python Extension​

  • Install Python extension on remote
  • Select interpreter: /usr/bin/python

Git Integration​

  • Works automatically if SSH keys set up
  • Can commit/push from VS Code

Port Forwarding​

  • Jupyter running? VS Code auto-forwards ports
  • Or manually: Ports tab → Forward Port

Next Steps​