How to SSH into your cloud development machine

The browser dashboard is the front door, and for most work it is the only door you need. But the machine is a real VM, and SSH still works. When you want a local terminal, an editor's remote mode, or a file transfer, reach for it.

It is an ordinary VM

There is nothing special to enable. Add your public key, then connect the way you would to any server:

ssh [email protected]

When to reach for it

• You prefer your own terminal emulator and keybindings.
• You want your desktop editor's remote-SSH mode instead of the browser editor.
• You need scp or rsync to move files on or off the machine.
• You are automating something and want a plain, scriptable connection.

It does not replace the gateway

SSH gets you a shell. The browser tools — the editor, the file manager, the workspace — come through the gateway on one login. Use whichever fits the moment; they are two ways onto the same machine, not two machines.