Eclipse Che
A real browser IDE platform, assuming Kubernetes already counts as normal in your house.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-10
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- EPL-2.0
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hostedself-host, real ops
- Installation
- Install the Che Operator on an existing Kubernetes or OpenShift cluster
- Operational Setup
- A functioning Kubernetes/OpenShift cluster is a prerequisite, followed by operator, ingress, storage class, TLS, identity, quotas, and devfile administration
- Where Your Data Lives
- Source normally lives in Git and checked-out workspace containers; persistent workspace data uses Kubernetes persistent volumes, while devfiles and platform configuration live in the cluster
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Che requires Kubernetes and substantial platform administration, and it cannot match CodeSandbox's quick shareable playgrounds, automatic previews, and low-friction onboarding.
Replaces 2 paid apps
up to $37/mo ($444/yr) in subscriptions
Eclipse Che FAQ
Common questions
Is Eclipse Che free and open source?+
Eclipse Che is an open-source tool licensed under EPL-2.0 that runs on self-host. A real browser IDE platform, assuming Kubernetes already counts as normal in your house.
What paid software does Eclipse Che replace?+
Eclipse Che serves as a free replacement for 2 paid SaaS applications: CodeSandbox, Replit, saving up to $37/month ($444/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Eclipse Che?+
Installation: Install the Che Operator on an existing Kubernetes or OpenShift cluster. Setup notes: A functioning Kubernetes/OpenShift cluster is a prerequisite, followed by operator, ingress, storage class, TLS, identity, quotas, and devfile administration
What is the catch or trade-off with Eclipse Che?+
Che requires Kubernetes and substantial platform administration, and it cannot match CodeSandbox's quick shareable playgrounds, automatic previews, and low-friction onboarding.