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Eclipse Che

eclipse.dev

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Spec score 8.0 #20 of 53 in IDE Software

What it is

Eclipse Che is an open-source development environment that runs IDEs in Kubernetes. Users create workspaces from a Git repository or sample, then access them online through a browser. Visual Studio Code and JetBrains IDEs are available. Workspace definitions use Devfiles, YAML files that can be versioned with application source code, and a devcontainer configuration is listed. GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket identities can connect through OAuth. Teams can share a development setup by URL, and Che can run on public or private Kubernetes clusters, including self-hosted deployments. Access uses OIDC authentication and Kubernetes RBAC authorization. Enterprise support includes air-gapped networks, TLS certificates, proxies, and FIPS. Code is cloned to persistent storage by default, but other file changes disappear when a workspace stops unless stored on a persistent volume. Che is free, with no stated usage limits.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Eclipse Che runs development IDEs in Kubernetes and lets users create workspaces from a Git repository or sample.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
Headquarters
Brussels, BelgiumRead 28 Sep 2026 · eclipse.dev
Maker
The Eclipse Foundation describes itself as an international non-profit association supporting open-source collaboration.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.org
Authentication and authorization
Workspace access requires authentication with OIDC, and Kubernetes RBAC checks whether a user may access a workspace.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
Browser access
The product page says a browser is the only requirement for using Che online.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
Community support
The project site links to community Slack, chat, and a mailing list.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
Enterprise environments
The site says Che workspaces support air-gapped networks, enterprise TLS certificates, proxies, and FIPS.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
Git integrations
Users can connect GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket identities using OAuth.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
IDE options
The site identifies Visual Studio Code and JetBrains IDEs as IDEs available with Eclipse Che.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
Kubernetes deployment
Eclipse Che can be deployed on public or private Kubernetes clusters.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
Maker history
The Eclipse Foundation says it was created in January 2004 as an independent not-for-profit corporation.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.org
Persistence limit
Workspace file changes are wiped when a workspace stops unless they are stored on a persistent volume; code is cloned to a persistent volume by default.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
Workspace configuration
Development workspaces are defined with Devfiles, YAML files that can be versioned with application source code.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev
Workspace sharing
The site says teams can share a development setup using a URL.Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev

Plans and prices

Eclipse Che Free No pricing or usage limits stated on the pages reviewed Read 9 Oct 2026 · eclipse.dev

Every Eclipse Che plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source
  • Browser access requires only a browser
  • Supports Visual Studio Code and JetBrains IDEs
  • Deployable on public or private Kubernetes
  • Persistent volume support is available

Limits

  • Unsaved workspace changes disappear when stopped
  • Requires OIDC authentication for workspace access
  • Kubernetes RBAC controls workspace permissions

Who it suits

Che suits development teams wanting browser-accessible Kubernetes workspaces, configurable with Devfiles and connected to multiple Git hosts. It also fits organizations needing self-hosted or enterprise-network deployment.

Verdict

Eclipse Che combines browser-based IDE workspaces with Kubernetes deployment and versioned configuration. Its persistence requirements and access controls should be reviewed before adoption.

Where Specifiction places it

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