Wait, is AWS really killing Cloud9?

Not completely, but they're basically putting it on life support. As of July 25, 2024, no new accounts can access Cloud9. If you're already using it, you can keep using it, but AWS won't add new features. Ever. They're done with it.

When will they pull the plug completely?

Nobody knows, and AWS isn't saying. They're doing the classic tech company slow death - "maintenance mode" until they decide it's not worth keeping the servers running. Could be 2 years, could be 5. Don't count on it being around forever.

Are they going to delete my environments?

Nope, but you're still paying for the EC2 instances underneath. Those t2.micro instances are [$9.50/month each](https://aws.amazon.com/ec2/pricing/on-demand/) whether you're using them or not. If you've forgotten about old Cloud9 environments, check your AWS bill - you might be paying for zombie development boxes.

What about my code? Will it disappear?

Your code is fine - it's just sitting on EC2 instances with EBS storage. You can SSH into your Cloud9 environments and copy everything out, or use `git` if you've been smart about version control. Pro tip: if you haven't been using Git, start now and push everything to GitHub before migrating.If you need to grab files quickly: `scp -i your-key.pem ec2-user@your-instance-ip:~/environment/* ./local-backup/`

Can existing customers still use Cloud9?

Yeah, everything works exactly the same if you already have access. You can create new environments, collaborate with your team, and use all the AWS integrations. New people joining your AWS account can access Cloud9 too, as long as they have the right IAM permissions.

What's the best alternative for someone new to AWS?

Depends what you're trying to do. If you're learning AWS Lambda and serverless stuff, get VS Code and install the [AWS Toolkit extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=AmazonWebServices.aws-toolkit-vscode). It'll be painful to set up at first, but you'll learn how AWS credentials actually work instead of relying on Cloud9's magic.For general web development, [GitHub Codespaces](https://github.com/features/codespaces) is the easiest Cloud9 replacement. Costs money after the free tier, but it actually works and performs better than Cloud9 ever did.

How do I replace Cloud9's real-time collaboration?

You don't, really. Cloud9's real-time pair programming was unique and nothing fully replaces it. Your options: - [VS Code Live Share](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=MS-vsliveshare.vsliveshare): Works locally, laggy over internet connections - [GitHub Codespaces](https://github.com/features/codespaces): Has live sharing, but costs $$$ - [Gitpod](https://www.gitpod.io/): Decent collaboration, but you'll spend more time debugging the platform than your code Most teams just go back to screen sharing and Git. It sucks, but that's reality.

How much is this migration going to cost me?

CloudShell is free, but it's basically just a terminal. VS Code + AWS Toolkit is free software, but you'll pay for any AWS resources you spin up for development.GitHub Codespaces starts at [$0.18/hour for 4-cores](https://docs.github.com/en/billing/managing-billing-for-github-codespaces/about-billing-for-github-codespaces). Leave it running for a month and you're looking at $130. Gitpod is similar pricing.The hidden cost is your time. Budget 2-4 weeks of reduced productivity while everyone learns new tools and workflows.

I'm teaching a course with Cloud9. What now?

If you already have AWS Educate accounts, keep using Cloud9 until AWS forces you off. For new courses, GitHub Codespaces is probably your best bet - students can access it from any device, and the free tier covers most educational use cases.CloudShell works for teaching AWS CLI and basic shell scripting, but don't try to teach Python development in a browser terminal. Your students will hate you.

How do I backup everything before migrating?

First, check what you actually need to backup: ```bash # SSH into your Cloud9 environment ssh -i your-key.pem ec2-user@your-instance-ip # See what's actually in your environment du -sh ~/environment/* ``` If you've been using Git properly, just clone your repos elsewhere. If not, start crying and then: ```bash # Copy everything to local machine scp -r -i your-key.pem ec2-user@your-instance-ip:~/environment ./cloud9-backup ``` Document any custom packages you installed because you'll need to reinstall them in your new environment.

Will AWS help with migration?

Ha! No. They published a [blog post](https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/devops/how-to-migrate-from-aws-cloud9-to-aws-ide-toolkits-or-aws-cloudshell/) with generic advice and called it a day. If you're paying for premium support, they might answer questions, but don't expect step-by-step migration assistance.

What about my Lambda integrations?

Most stuff will work with the VS Code AWS Toolkit, but not exactly the same way. Your SAM templates and CloudFormation work fine, but you'll lose the one-click debugging. Now you'll run `sam local start-api` in a terminal and attach VS Code's debugger manually. It's more steps but ultimately more powerful once you figure it out.Expect to spend a few hours reconfiguring your deployment scripts to work outside of Cloud9's pre-configured environment.

Currently viewing the AI version

Switch to human version

AWS Cloud9 Deprecation: Migration Intelligence

Executive Summary

AWS Cloud9 deprecated July 25, 2024. No new accounts accepted. Existing users retain full access but no feature updates planned. Migration requires 2-4 weeks reduced productivity and significant workflow changes.

Critical Timeline

July 25, 2024: New account registration disabled
Current: Existing environments fully functional
Future: No official end-of-life date announced
Recommendation: Begin migration planning immediately

Resource Requirements

Time Investment

Initial setup: 4+ hours for VS Code Remote-SSH (when everything works correctly)
Team migration: 2-4 weeks reduced productivity
Credential configuration: 2+ hours fighting authentication errors
Workflow adjustment: 1-2 weeks per team member

Financial Impact

Cloud9 legacy cost: $9.50/month per t2.micro instance
GitHub Codespaces: $0.18/hour (4-core) = $130/month if left running
AWS CloudShell: Free (terminal only, 1GB storage)
VS Code + EC2: $20-50/month plus infrastructure management overhead

Migration Alternatives Analysis

AWS IDE Toolkits (Primary AWS Recommendation)

Technical Specifications:

VS Code AWS Toolkit extension
Local installation required
Full debugging capabilities once configured
Requires manual SAM CLI setup

Implementation Reality:

2+ hours initial authentication configuration
Common failure: CredentialsProviderError requiring AWS SSO setup
Docker dependency for Lambda debugging (sam local start-api)
Random resource explorer disconnections requiring VS Code restart

Critical Warnings:

Not browser-based despite Cloud9 replacement positioning
Lambda debugging requires significant manual configuration
Team onboarding complexity increases dramatically

AWS CloudShell (CLI Alternative)

Technical Specifications:

Browser-based terminal
1GB storage limit (hard constraint)
Pre-installed: AWS CLI, Python, Node.js, Git, Docker
Free service

Implementation Reality:

Excellent for AWS CLI operations and quick scripting
Completely inadequate for application development
Editor limited to vim/nano
Cannot replace full IDE functionality

Use Cases:

AWS CLI commands when local credentials unavailable
Quick infrastructure debugging
Deployment scripts under 30 seconds runtime

GitHub Codespaces (Closest Functional Replacement)

Technical Specifications:

VS Code in browser
Container-based environments via .devcontainer config
32GB storage per environment
Full extension support

Resource Requirements:

$0.18/hour for 4-core instance
2-minute environment setup time
AWS integration requires manual CLI installation and credential configuration

Critical Warnings:

Cost accumulation if environments left running
AWS integration not as seamless as Cloud9
Requires GitHub repository structure

VS Code Remote Development (DIY Solution)

Technical Specifications:

Local VS Code connecting to remote EC2 instance
Full extension compatibility
Custom environment control

Implementation Complexity:

EC2 instance provisioning and management
Security group and SSH key configuration
VPC route table and network ACL troubleshooting
Ongoing infrastructure maintenance responsibilities

Hidden Costs:

Infrastructure management time
Security patch responsibilities
Backup and disaster recovery planning

Gitpod (Open Source Alternative)

Technical Specifications:

Container-based development environments
Docker configuration support
VS Code in browser

Reliability Issues:

Random environment startup failures
Occasional "workspace not found" errors
Less stable than commercial alternatives

Feature Loss Assessment

Real-Time Collaboration

Cloud9 Capability: Live pair programming with simultaneous editing
Replacement Options:

VS Code Live Share: Laggy over internet connections
GitHub Codespaces: Available but additional cost
Standard alternatives: Screen sharing and Git-based collaboration

AWS Integration Seamlessness

Cloud9 Capability: Pre-configured AWS CLI, SAM CLI, credentials, one-click Lambda deployment
Replacement Reality:

Manual credential configuration across all alternatives
Multi-step deployment processes
Context switching between tools required

Zero-Configuration Onboarding

Cloud9 Capability: 30-second team member onboarding with environment URL
Migration Impact:

New team members require local development setup
Environment consistency no longer guaranteed
Documentation and setup scripts become critical

Migration Strategy Recommendations

For AWS Lambda Development Teams

Recommended Path: VS Code + AWS Toolkit
Justification: Best debugging capabilities once configured
Setup Investment: 4-8 hours initial configuration per developer

For Budget-Conscious Teams

Recommended Path: AWS CloudShell + local development
Justification: Free tier utilization
Limitation: Reduced development experience

For Remote/Distributed Teams

Recommended Path: GitHub Codespaces
Justification: Maintains browser-based development model
Cost Consideration: Budget $130/month per active developer

For Educational Institutions

Recommended Path: GitHub Codespaces (free tier) or CloudShell
Justification: Consistent student environments without local installation requirements

Critical Migration Tasks

Pre-Migration Assessment

Environment Audit: Identify all active Cloud9 environments and their EC2 costs
Code Backup: Ensure all code repositories have remote Git backups
Dependency Documentation: List custom packages and configurations per environment
Team Skill Assessment: Evaluate team comfort with local development tools

During Migration

Credential Setup: Configure AWS authentication for chosen alternative
Environment Replication: Recreate development dependencies and tooling
Workflow Documentation: Update team development procedures
Testing: Validate debugging and deployment processes

Post-Migration Optimization

Performance Monitoring: Compare development velocity before/after migration
Cost Analysis: Track actual versus projected infrastructure costs
Team Training: Address knowledge gaps in new tooling
Process Refinement: Optimize workflows based on actual usage patterns

Failure Mode Prevention

Common Authentication Issues

Problem: CredentialsProviderError with AWS Toolkit
Solution: Use AWS SSO instead of traditional IAM credentials
Prevention: Document exact credential configuration steps

Environment Consistency Problems

Problem: "Works on my machine" issues return
Solution: Container-based development with Docker/devcontainer configs
Prevention: Mandate environment specification files

Cost Overruns

Problem: Forgotten running instances accumulating charges
Solution: Implement automatic shutdown policies and cost monitoring
Prevention: Regular cost review and instance lifecycle management

Productivity Loss

Problem: Extended learning curve for new tooling
Solution: Phased migration with parallel tool usage during transition
Prevention: Comprehensive training and documentation before cutover

Decision Matrix

Requirement	AWS Toolkit	CloudShell	Codespaces	VS Code Remote	Gitpod
Browser Development	❌	✅ Limited	✅	❌	✅
AWS Integration	✅ Complex Setup	✅ CLI Only	❌ Manual	✅ Complex Setup	❌ Manual
Team Collaboration	❌	❌	✅ Paid	✅ Laggy	✅ Unreliable
Cost Control	✅ Free Software	✅ Free Service	❌ $130/month	⚠️ Infrastructure	⚠️ Subscription
Setup Complexity	⚠️ 4+ hours	✅ Instant	✅ 2 minutes	❌ 4+ hours	✅ Quick
Debugging Quality	✅ Full Featured	❌ Console logs only	✅ Full Featured	✅ Full Featured	✅ Full Featured
Reliability	⚠️ Daily restarts	✅ Stable	✅ Stable	⚠️ SSH dependent	❌ Random failures

Implementation Priorities

Immediate (Week 1)

Code backup verification
Alternative platform evaluation
Pilot migration with single developer

Short-term (Weeks 2-4)

Team training on selected alternative
Development workflow documentation
Full team migration execution

Long-term (Months 2-3)

Workflow optimization based on usage data
Cost monitoring and adjustment
Team productivity measurement and improvement

Support Resources

Official Documentation

Community Resources

Cost Calculators

This migration requires careful planning and realistic timeline expectations. The loss of Cloud9's seamless AWS integration and zero-configuration onboarding represents a significant workflow disruption that cannot be fully replicated by current alternatives.

Useful Links for Further Investigation

Migration Resources and Documentation

Link	Description
AWS Cloud9 Migration Blog Post	AWS's migration blog post that basically says "figure it out yourself" - but has the official deprecation timeline and some half-assed migration suggestions.
AWS Developer Tools Hub	The marketing page for all their IDE toolkits. Actually has useful download links once you get past the corporate bullshit.
AWS CloudShell Documentation	CloudShell docs that actually explain how to use the terminal-in-a-browser. Spoiler: it's just bash with AWS CLI pre-installed.
AWS Cloud9 User Guide (Legacy)	The old Cloud9 docs they're keeping alive for existing users. Don't expect updates - it's in maintenance mode.
AWS Toolkit for Visual Studio Code	VS Code plugin that tries to replicate Cloud9's AWS integration. Works decent once you fight through the credential setup.
AWS Toolkit for IntelliJ IDEA	Complete setup guide for IntelliJ IDEA AWS toolkit, including debugging and deployment features.
AWS Toolkit for PyCharm	Python-focused development toolkit for PyCharm with AWS service integration and Lambda development support.
AWS SAM CLI Documentation	Serverless Application Model CLI for local Lambda development and deployment, essential for Cloud9 migration.
GitHub Codespaces	The closest thing to Cloud9 that doesn't suck. Expensive but actually works. VS Code in the browser with decent performance.
Gitpod	The open-source Cloud9 alternative that's cheaper but flakier. Good when it works, expect random environment startup failures.
CodeSandbox	Modern cloud IDE for web development with instant environment setup, real-time collaboration, and npm package support.
VS Code Remote Development Documentation	VS Code remote setup guide that assumes you're a networking expert. Good luck with the SSH key configuration hell.
AWS EC2 Instance Setup for Development	Guide for creating and configuring EC2 instances for remote development environments.
Docker Development Environments	Container-based development environment setup for consistent and portable development workflows.
AWS CLI Configuration Guide	Essential for setting up AWS access in alternative development environments.
AWS Lambda Developer Guide	Complete resource for Lambda development, crucial for teams migrating serverless workflows from Cloud9.
AWS CodeCommit User Guide	Git repository service integration for teams using AWS-native version control.
AWS CloudFormation User Guide	Infrastructure as Code service documentation for deployment automation in new development environments.
AWS Samples GitHub Repository	Official AWS code samples and tutorials, including IDE toolkit examples and migration guides.
AWS re:Post Community	Community Q&A platform for Cloud9 migration questions and alternative setup guidance.
Stack Overflow - AWS Cloud9 Questions	Community-driven troubleshooting and migration assistance for Cloud9 users.
AWS Training and Certification	Official training resources for AWS services, including IDE toolkits and CloudShell usage.
AWS Builder Center	Developer-focused resources, tools, and learning materials for AWS development workflows.
AWS YouTube Channel - Developer Content	Video tutorials and demonstrations for AWS developer tools and migration strategies.
AWS Pricing Calculator	Tool for estimating costs of alternative development environments and comparing with Cloud9 expenses.
AWS Free Tier Details	Information about free usage limits for CloudShell, EC2, and other services used in migration alternatives.
AWS Cost Management Documentation	Guidance for monitoring and optimizing development environment costs after Cloud9 migration.

Related Tools & Recommendations

alternatives

Discover Northflank, the deployment platform designed to simplify app hosting and development. Learn how it streamlines deployments, avoids Kubernetes complexit

Northflank

/tool/northflank/overview

38%

tool

Popular choice

LM Studio MCP Integration - Connect Your Local AI to Real Tools

Turn your offline model into an actual assistant that can do shit

LM Studio

/tool/lm-studio/mcp-integration

36%

Recommendations combine user behavior, content similarity, research intelligence, and SEO optimization