This feature leverages the[`@devcontainers/cli`](https://github.com/devcontainers/cli) and[Docker](https://www.docker.com)

to provide a streamlined development experience.

This implementation is different from the existing

[Envbuilder-based dev containers](../../admin/templates/managing-templates/devcontainers/index.md)

offering.

- Coder version 2.22.0 or later

- Coder CLI version 2.22.0 or later

- Coder version 2.24.0 or later

- Coder CLI version 2.24.0 or later

- A template with:

- Dev containers integration enabled

- A Docker-compatible workspace image

- Appropriate permissions to execute Docker commands inside your workspace

When a workspace with the dev containers integration starts:

1. The workspace initializes the Docker environment.

1. The integration detects repositories with a`.devcontainer` directory or a

`devcontainer.json` file.

1. The integration builds and starts the dev container based on the

configuration.

1. The integration detects repositories with a`.devcontainer` directory or a`devcontainer.json` file.

1. The integration builds (or rebuilds) and starts the dev container based on the configuration.

1. Your workspace automatically detects the running dev container.

1. If the configuration changes, the workspace prompts you to rebuild the dev container.

- Automatic discovery of`.devcontainer` configs.

- Change detection with rebuild prompts.

- Rebuild containers with one click from the Coder dashboard or from the CLI.

- Full SSH access directly into dev containers (`coder ssh --container ...`).

- Automatic port forwarding based on`appPort`,`forwardPorts`, or`docker-compose.yml`.

- Automatic dev container detection from repositories

- Seamless dev container startup during workspace initialization

- Integrated IDE experience in dev containers with VS Code

- Direct service access in dev containers

- Limited SSH access to dev containers

To add tools or tweaks that enhance your personal experience, create a`devcontainer.local.json` file in the same

directory as the project’s`devcontainer.json`:

- Dev container change detection

- On-demand dev container recreation

- Support for automatic port forwarding inside the container

- Full native SSH support to dev containers

{

"extends":"./devcontainer.json",

"features": {

"ghcr.io/devcontainers/features/node": {"version":"20" }

},

}

Add the file name to your project's`.gitignore` or to your

[global exclude file](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/git-basics/ignoring-files#configuring-ignored-files-for-all-repositories-on-your-computer).

| Feature| Dev Containers(Early Access)| Envbuilder Dev Containers|

| Feature| Dev Containers| Envbuilder Dev Containers|

|----------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|

| Implementation| Direct`@devcontainers/cli` and Docker| Coder's Envbuilder|

| Target users| Individual developers| Platform teams and administrators|

| Configuration| Standard`devcontainer.json`| Terraform templates with Envbuilder|

| Management| User-controlled| Admin-controlled|

| Requirements| Docker access in workspace| Compatible with more restricted environments|

Choose the appropriate solution based on your team's needs and infrastructure

constraints. For additional details on Envbuilder's dev container support, see

the

Choose the appropriate solution based on your team's needs and infrastructure constraints.

For additional details on Envbuilder's dev container support, see the

[Envbuilder devcontainer spec support documentation](https://github.com/coder/envbuilder/blob/main/docs/devcontainer-spec-support.md).

Currently, dev containers are not compatible with the[prebuilt workspaces](../../admin/templates/extending-templates/prebuilt-workspaces.md).

If your template allows for prebuilt workspaces, do not select a prebuilt workspace if you plan to use a dev container.

- Explore the[dev container specification](https://containers.dev/) to learn

more about advanced configuration options

- Read about[dev container features](https://containers.dev/features) to

enhance your development environment

- Check the

[VS Code dev containers documentation](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/devcontainers/containers)

for IDE-specific features

-[Dev container specification](https://containers.dev/)

-[VS Code dev containers documentation](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/devcontainers/containers)