1. Install the Remote - SSH extension from Microsoft in VSCode. 2. Click the green icon, choose "Connect to Host...", and enter an SSH command like ssh username@server-address -p PORT. 3. Save the configuration to the default SSH config file (~/.ssh/config). 4. Select the remote server’s OS (Linux/macOS/Windows) to allow VSCode to install the VS Code Server automatically. 5. Open a remote folder (e.g., /home/user/project) to start editing, running, and debugging code directly on the server, with all operations executed remotely, and use SSH keys or adjust SSH settings for improved connectivity and performance, ensuring the SSH port is open and stable for uninterrupted access.

Connecting VSCode to a remote server via SSH is straightforward using the Remote - SSH extension. This lets you edit, run, and debug code directly on a remote machine as if you were working locally. Here's how to set it up:

1. Install the Remote - SSH Extension

Open VSCode and go to the Extensions view (Ctrl Shift X or Cmd Shift X on macOS). Search for:

Remote - SSH

Install the official extension by Microsoft. It’s part of the "Remote Development" suite.

After installation, you’ll see a new green icon in the bottom-left corner of the status bar: "Open Remote Window".

2. Connect to Your Server

Click the green <> icon in the lower-left corner, then choose "Connect to Host..." → "Add New SSH Host...".

You’ll be prompted to enter an SSH command, like:

ssh username@server-address -p PORT

• Replace username with your remote user.
• Replace server-address with the IP or domain.
• Use -p PORT only if SSH runs on a non-default port (not 22).

For example:

ssh john@192.168.1.100 -p 2222

3. Choose SSH Config File

VSCode will ask where to save the SSH host configuration. Choose the default location (usually ~/.ssh/config). This file manages your remote hosts.

After saving, VSCode will prompt you to "Connect" to the host. Click it.

The first time, you may need to confirm the server’s fingerprint and enter your password.

4. Select the Remote Server Platform

After authenticating, VSCode will ask what OS the remote server runs on:

• Linux
• macOS
• Windows

Choose the correct one. This affects how tools and paths are handled.

VSCode will then install the VS Code Server on the remote machine (in ~/.vscode-server/). This is automatic and only happens once per server.

5. Open a Folder on the Remote Server

Once connected, VSCode opens a new window tied to the remote machine. Now click File > Open Folder and enter a path like:

/home/john/myproject

or

~/projects/app

You’re now working directly on the remote server. All edits, terminal commands, and extensions run remotely.

Tip: Open the integrated terminal (`Ctrl ``) — it runs on the server, not your local machine.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Use SSH keys for passwordless login:
  Generate a key with ssh-keygen, then copy it using ssh-copy-id username@server. This avoids typing passwords each time.

• Fix connection timeouts:
  If the connection drops, edit your SSH config:

  Host your-server-name
    HostName 192.168.1.100
    User john
    Port 2222
    ServerAliveInterval 60
    TCPKeepAlive yes

• Firewall/Network Issues:
  Make sure port 22 (or your custom SSH port) is open on the server.

• Slow performance?
  Large file syncing or slow networks can affect responsiveness. Consider using Remote - SSH: Settings Sync or exclude large folders with .gitignore or VSCode settings.

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Once set up, switching between local and remote is easy — just use the green bottom-left icon to reconnect or disconnect.

Basically, it turns VSCode into a seamless bridge to your server — no more editing files over SFTP or running code locally that should run remotely.

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