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Use Cases

In some development scenarios, you may prefer using a local IDE:
  • Large projects with hundreds of files
  • Leveraging your existing local development environment
  • Need for specific paid extensions or enterprise tools
  • Preference for local IDE shortcuts and workflows
Good news: with VS Code Remote Tunnels, you can easily connect your local VS Code to the Happycapy cloud sandbox!

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Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

Happycapy Account

Visit happycapy.ai to sign up

VS Code 1.70+

Download from code.visualstudio.com

GitHub Account

Required for tunnel authorization

Internet Connection

Stable connection needed for remote access

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Connect in 3 Steps

1

Start Tunnel in Happycapy

In the Happycapy chat box, enter:
Please start VSCode Remote Tunnel (global mode) --name Happycapy, and show the GitHub verification link and code
Happycapy will automatically install and start the tunnel, then return:
Save these two details:
  • Authorization page: https://github.com/login/device
  • Authorization code: XXXX-XXXX (8 characters)
2

GitHub Authorization

Complete the authorization in your browser (takes about 1 minute):
  1. Open https://github.com/login/device
  2. Enter the authorization code provided by Happycapy
  3. Click Authorize
Success indicator: Your browser will show “Success! You may close this page.”
3

Connect from Local VS Code

  1. Open local VS Code
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + X to open Extensions
  3. Search for Remote - Tunnels (by Microsoft)
  4. Click Install
  1. Press F1 to open the Command Palette
  2. Type: Remote-Tunnels: Connect to Tunnel
  3. Sign in to GitHub (first time only)
  4. Select Happycapy from the list
  5. Wait for the connection to establish
Success indicator: Bottom-left corner shows >< Remote [Happycapy] in green

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Start Using

Once connected, you can work with your Happycapy sandbox as if it were local:

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Open Remote Folder

1

Click 'Open Folder...'

From the VS Code File menu or welcome screen
2

Enter folder path

Common paths:
  • /home/node - Your home directory
  • /workspace - Your workspace directory
3

Trust the workspace

Click “Yes, I trust the authors” when prompted

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Open Terminal

Press `Ctrl + “ (backtick) to open the remote terminal.
Verify your connection: Run pwd and whoami to confirm you’re in the cloud sandbox

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Quick Reference

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Happycapy Prompt Cheatsheet

ActionPrompt
Start TunnelPlease start VSCode Remote Tunnel (global mode) --name Happycapy, and show the GitHub verification link and code
Check StatusIs the VSCode Tunnel still running?
Stop ServicePlease stop the VSCode Tunnel service
RestartPlease restart VSCode Tunnel

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VS Code Shortcuts

ActionShortcut
Open FolderCtrl + K, then Ctrl + O
Open Terminal`Ctrl + “
Command PaletteF1 or Ctrl + Shift + P
Quick OpenCtrl + P
DisconnectClick bottom-left >< Remote indicator

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Troubleshooting

  1. Ask Happycapy: “Is the VSCode Tunnel still running?”
  2. If not running, execute the start prompt again
  3. Check your local internet connection
  4. Re-sign in to GitHub:
    • Press F1 → Remote-Tunnels: Sign out
    • Then reconnect and sign in again
Try these steps:
  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Temporarily disable VPN if using one
  3. Restart the tunnel in Happycapy
  4. Update VS Code to the latest version
  1. Check disk space: Run df -h in the remote terminal
  2. Check file permissions: Run ls -la
  3. Try reconnecting the tunnel
Some extensions need to be installed on the remote server:
  1. Open Extensions panel (Ctrl + Shift + X)
  2. Look for extensions with “Install in SSH: Happycapy” button
  3. Click to install on the remote server

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Best Practices

Quick Daily Work

Use Happycapy web interface for quick tasks and conversations

Complex Projects

Switch to local VS Code for large-scale development and refactoring
Both the web interface and VS Code connect to the same cloud sandbox, so no file migration is needed when switching between them!

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You’re All Set!

You now know the complete workflow to connect your local VS Code to the Happycapy cloud sandbox. Enjoy your cloud development journey!

Need more help?

Contact our support team for assistance