0cloud and GitHub Codespaces
Codespaces rents you a Linux VM in the cloud by the hour. 0cloud runs a real Linux machine in your browser tab, on your own computer, for free.
$ uname -sm
Linux aarch64
$ sudo apt install -y ripgrep
Setting up ripgrep ...
$ claude
0cloud and GitHub Codespaces, row by row
Codespaces facts from GitHub’s public pricing and docs.
Topic0cloudGitHub Codespaces
Where it runs Your computer, in the tab A cloud VM
Cost Free Billed per core-hour beyond the free quota
Linux 
Real kernel, emulated arm64 Real kernel, x86_64 VM
Real kernel, emulated arm64 Real kernel, x86_64 VM Agents Claude Code, Codex, opencode, Antigravity Any you install
When you close it Saved on your device Stops after a timeout
Speed Emulated arm64 with a JIT; Node and Bun on the browser engine Native cores
Data On your device, sync end-to-end encrypted On the provider’s servers
Where 0cloud is the better fit
When you want a dev environment that costs nothing and keeps your code on your device.
- No hourly bill
- Code stays on your device
- Works on a phone
$ sudo apt install -y ffmpeg
$ pip install --user numpy
$ ssh staging
pick the tool for the job
GitHub Codespaces: Native x86 cores
Where GitHub Codespaces is the better fit
When you need big, fast machines for heavy builds.
- Native x86 cores
- Large machine sizes
Questions
Is 0cloud a Codespaces replacement?
For daily work, agents and SSH, yes. For very heavy builds, a cloud VM is faster.
Does it use devcontainers?
A workspace is a Debian machine; install what your devcontainer lists with apt and npm.
Is it free?
Yes.