Tutorial: How to Install code-server on Void Linux

This tutorial will guide you through the installation process of code-server on Void Linux. code-server is an open-source application which allows you to run VS Code on a remote server.

Pre-requisites

Before we get started with the installation process, make sure you have the following:

• A working Void Linux installation
• Access to the root user account or a user account with administrative privileges

Installation

Step 1: Update the System

Let's start by updating the Void Linux system to the latest version. Open the terminal and run the following command:

sudo xbps-install -Syu

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Now, we need to install some dependencies required for the code-server installation process. Run the following command:

sudo xbps-install -y curl tar unzip wget

Step 3: Download code-server

code-server is available on Github. We need to download the latest version of code-server using the following command:

wget https://github.com/coder/code-server/releases/download/v3.11.0/code-server-3.11.0-linux-x64.tar.gz

This command will download the latest version of code-server for Linux in tar.gz format.

Step 4: Extract code-server

After the download is complete, extract the tar.gz file using the following command:

tar -xvf code-server-3.11.0-linux-x64.tar.gz

Step 5: Move the code-server Binary

Now, move the code-server binary file to the /usr/local/bin/ directory using the following command:

sudo mv code-server-3.11.0-linux-x64/code-server /usr/local/bin/

Step 6: Create Systemd Service File

To use code-server as a service, we need to create a systemd service file. Open the editor of your choice and create a new file with the following command:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/code-server.service

Copy and paste the following text into this file:

[Unit]
Description=code-server
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
Environment=PASSWORD=*****
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/code-server --bind-addr 0.0.0.0:8443 --auth password
User=%i
Group=%i
WorkingDirectory=/home/%i

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Note that the PASSWORD environment variable should be set to a strong password of your choice.

Step 7: Enable and Start the Service

Now, enable the code-server service using the following command:

sudo systemctl enable code-server.service

And then, start the service using the following command:

sudo systemctl start code-server.service

Step 8: Access code-server

Open your web browser and type in the IP address of your server followed by the port number 8443, for example: https://192.168.1.100:8443/.

You will be prompted to enter the password you set in the systemd file. Enter the password to access code-server.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and set up code-server on your Void Linux server. You can now use Visual Studio Code through your web browser on any device connected to the same network.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!