What is cloud9?

5 min readMay 27, 2023

In the world of cloud computing, Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers the cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) known as Cloud9. With support for several different programming languages, code editors, debuggers, and an integrated terminal, it provides developers with a feature-rich coding experience. Without the requirement for local installations, Cloud9 enables team collaboration by allowing developers to write, run, and debug code directly from a browser.

Cloud9 offers developers a flexible and accessible coding environment by utilizing the power of cloud computing. It makes it simpler to create, test, and deploy apps across many platforms because it blends the ease of browser-based development with powerful tools and integrations. Because Cloud9 is cloud-based, developers can access it from any location with an internet connection, boosting output and fostering streamlined teamwork.

Cloud9 has been well-liked among developers due to its simplicity of use and adaptability, as well as its extensive feature set and user-friendly interface. By offering a dependable and scalable platform for coding and collaboration, it enables developers to concentrate on their code and speed up the development process.

Features and Benefits of AWS Cloud9

1. A cloud-based IDE

AWS The key component of Cloud9 is its cloud-based IDE, which frees developers from the burden of setting up local work environments. Developers can collaborate remotely and view their projects from any location with an internet connection using Cloud9.

2. Simple Usability

AWS Cloud9 offers a simple setup procedure as a browser-based IDE. Developers don’t need to wait for complicated setups or specific hardware before they can start developing. Due to its accessibility, it is a great option for remote teams, individual developers, and even educational institutions.

3. Streamlined AWS Service Integration

Cloud9 is a popular option for developers working within the AWS ecosystem because it is an Amazon Web Services product and easily connects with other AWS services. Developers can quickly run and maintain Lambda functions thanks to its simple interface with providers like AWS Lambda.

4. A Collaborative Setting

Through its collaborative coding tools, AWS Cloud9 promotes developer cooperation. Team members can simultaneously work on the same codebase, enabling real-time collaboration and fostering a supportive environment for idea sharing and co-testing.

5. Development environment templates

Workspaces are preconfigured development environments offered by Cloud9. These workspaces enable developers to begin coding right away without the effort of manual environment setup because they already have a variety of tools and settings configured.

6. Testing and Debugging of Code

Developers may quickly debug their code, find and repair mistakes thanks to the IDE’s built-in debugger in AWS Cloud9. It also offers tools and testing frameworks for comprehensive code testing, ensuring the development of high-quality software.

7. Support for Live Preview and Browsers

Using the live preview function of AWS Cloud9, developers may see a live preview of web apps. They can quickly complete development cycles since they can immediately observe the effects of code changes in a browser preview. To ensure consistent performance across many browsers, Cloud9 also provides browser compatibility testing.

Setting Up AWS Cloud9

We’ll go over the essential steps, but if you’d want more specific instructions, please click on the links we’ve provided for each one.

Create an AWS account in Step 1 and sign in:

You must first have an AWS account in order to use AWS Cloud9. Create a new account on the AWS website if you don’t already have one. Join the AWS Management Console once you have an account.

Go to the AWS Cloud9 documentation in step two.

Visit the official AWS Documentation for AWS Cloud9 User Guide to receive the comprehensive setup instructions for AWS Cloud9. The AWS tutorial will give you all the details and step-by-step instructions required for a successful setup.

Determine Your Usage Pattern in Step 3:

Depending on your unique demands, AWS Cloud9 offers a variety of usage patterns. Decide how you want to use AWS Cloud9 before starting the setup. AWS Cloud9 has you covered whether you’re creating a space for independent work, group projects, or enterprise-level development.

Create Your First AWS Cloud9 Environment in Step 4:

The first step in using AWS Cloud9 is setting up an environment. Create your first Cloud9 environment using the guidance in the AWS Cloud9 User Guide, and then get right to work writing code. Your environment’s subnet and Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (Amazon VPC) settings will be selected as you follow the guide’s instructions.

Configuring IAM Identity Centre in Step 5:

It is crucial to establish AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) Identity Centre in order to use AWS Cloud9 successfully. You can control user access, groups, and permissions for your AWS Cloud9 environment in this phase. To configure IAM Identity Centre and set up the required access controls, see the AWS IAM Identity Centre User Guide.

Customise Your Environment in Step Six:

Once your AWS Cloud9 environment is operational, it’s time to personalise it to suit your tastes. Your development experience will be improved by the tools and functionalities provided by AWS Cloud9 IDE. You can work with a mixture of local and cloned files, clone external code repositories, and store project files locally.

Exploring the Diverse Use Cases of Cloud9

1. Secure and controlled development environments with a sandbox

Giving developers a sandboxed and securely regulated environment is one of Cloud9’s primary use cases. With Cloud9, developers can use their browsers to access a fully established development environment, doing away with the requirement for local setups and installations. Developers may explore, test, and create applications in this sandboxed environment without worrying about damaging their local machines.

2. Simple Teamwork Development

Cloud9 is a useful solution for teams working on projects together because it enables smooth developer collaboration. It boosts productivity and encourages effective teamwork by enabling numerous developers to work simultaneously on a shared Cloud9 environment. Within the IDE, developers may easily collaborate in real-time while editing code, sharing terminals, and communicating.

3. Cloud-based web development that is effective

With a wide range of capabilities that speed up the development process, Cloud9 is especially well suited for web development projects. Using well-known technologies like LAMP (Linux, Apache HTTP Server, MySQL, and PHP) stacks, developers may quickly design and manage online applications. Cloud9 makes it easier to set up these technologies, freeing developers to concentrate on writing code and producing top-notch web apps.