Cloud Code IDE plugins – what can they do?

Cloud Code is a tool developed by Google to help developers create, test, and deploy applications in the cloud. It is an extension for integrated development environments (IDEs) such as VSCode, IntelliJ, PyCharm, GoLand, WebStorm, and Cloud Shell Editor. It provides a set of tools and features specifically designed for your Cloud Code development team working with the Google Cloud platform. Here we will discuss Cloud Code IDE plugins and how they can improve your application development process.

Plugins maximise the capabilities of Cloud Code by making it easier for developers to directly use cloud tools, manage resources, debug applications, and speed up the deployment process in Google Cloud.

IDE plugins are extensions or add-ons for Cloud Code that can be installed in an IDE to provide additional features and tools.

Features of Cloud Code IDE plugins

Let’s review all their main functions. They include:

Remote debugging

Google Code IDE plugins can provide advanced debugging tools that allow developers to track, analyse, and troubleshoot issues in their cloud applications.

Tracking, analysing, and troubleshooting applications running in the cloud is possible from within the IDE. You can use Skaffold, a cloud tool developed by the creators of Kubernetes. Skaffold integrates container creation with simultaneous deployment in Kubernetes clusters. It is also a tool that DevOps engineers eagerly use. In this case, it is possible to place breakpoints in the code, and when one of them is triggered, you can hover over the code to view logs from containers.

Using a Cloud Run emulator you can go about your work as if you were debugging local code.

Less context switching

Smart use of the right Cloud Code plugin can save your cloud development team’s time. Context switching is not only time-consuming but also disrupts the workflow. While developing an application, you often need to switch between the IDE, documentation, logs, and the Cloud Console.

By using the built-in context switching reduction feature in Cloud Code, you can, for example, visualise, monitor, and browse resource information without running CLI commands. You can simply use the Kubernetes Explorer orthe Cloud Run service for this purpose.

YAML creation support

YAML was named with a playful acronym for Yet Another Markup Language. However, the quirky name quickly gained a new interpretation: YAML Ain’t Markup Language. Its creators wanted to show that it is more about a friendly standard for data serialisation than just another markup language.

Nonetheless, getting used to working with Kubernetes YAML syntax takes time, often involving trial and error. By using the built-in YAML creation support features in Cloud Code, developers have more space to write their main code, allowing Cloud Code to automatically generate or greatly simplify the creation of YAML files.

IDE plugins

Automatic deployment

Cloud Code plugins can enable automatic deployment of applications in the cloud, allowing developers to quickly and easily test their changes in a production environment.

Cloud resource creation and management

Plugins can provide tools for creating and managing cloud resources such as virtual machines, databases, networking services, etc. Developers can manage them directly from the IDE.

Integration with Google Cloud services

Cloud Code plugins can allow developers to use various Google Cloud services, such as Google Cloud Storage, BigQuery, Pub/Sub, etc., directly from the IDE.

Automatic code generation

Some plugins may offer features for automatic code generation, such as project templates that facilitate getting started with specific Google Cloud services.

Among the key features to consider in the context of Cloud Code and its associated plugins, it’s worth noting:

Kubernetes acceleration

You can create and manage clusters directly from the IDE.

Cloud Run deployment

Creating and deploying code in Cloud Run and Cloud Run for Anthos is available with just a few clicks.

Easy integration of Google Cloud APIs

Using the built-in library manager, you can quickly and intuitively browse documentation, add and configure Google Cloud APIs.

Facilitated local Kubernetes development

Select tools in the Cloud Code IDE portfolio, such as Skaffold, Jib, or kubectl, allow for continuous feedback, providing real-time responses.

Browser-based work capabilities

With Cloud Shell Editor, you can work directly from your browser, accessing the same advanced features as those available within Cloud Code for VS Code.

How much does Cloud Code cost?

Now that you know how Cloud Code can help your project and you’re considering using it, you’ll be pleased to know that it doesn’t come with any additional charges. Moreover, if you don’t have a Google Cloud account yet, you can start using it with a financial boost. Google provides a $300 voucher for new customers to get started.

Find out more

Find out how we can help your company maximise the potential of IDE plugins, wither for a new project, a new service, or to support your company’s continuous development.

Even if Cloud Code is not the focus of your interest, you can still take advantage of other attractive services. To navigate them efficiently, schedule a meeting with a certified Google Cloud partner. Let us share the knowledge of our cloud architects and assist your company in cloud migration, cost optimisation, and effective use of available tools and services within Google Cloud.