These days we often package our new programs in containers, and we then manage those containers with Kubernetes[1]. That's great as far as it goes, but if you're a programmer, it's still missing a vital part: An integrated development environment (IDE). Now, Red Hat[2] is filling this hole with Red Hat CodeReady Workspaces[3], a Kubernetes-native, browser-based IDE.
Also: Why IBM bought Red Hat: It's all open source cloud, all the time[4]
CodeReady is based on the open-source Eclipse Che[5] IDE. It also includes formerly proprietary features from Red Hat's Codenvy acquisition[6].
This new IDE is optimized for Red Hat OpenShift[7], Red Hat's Docker[8]/Kubernetes platform and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)[9]. Red Hat claims CodeReady Workspaces is the first IDE, which runs inside a Kubernetes cluster. There's been other IDEs, which can work with Kubernetes -- notably JetBrain's IntelliJ IDEA[10] with a plugin[11] -- but CodeReady appears to be the first native Kubernetes IDE.
With CodeReady Workspaces, you can manage your code, its dependencies and artifacts inside OpenShift Kubernetes pods, and containers. By contrast, with older IDEs, you can only take advantage of Kubernetes during the final phase of testing and deployment. CodeReady Workspaces lets you develop in OpenShift from the start. Thus, you don't have to deal with the hassle of moving applications from your development platforms to production systems.
Another CodeReady plus is you don't need to be a Kubernetes or OpenShift expert to use it. CodeReady handles Kubernetes' complexities behind the scenes, so you can focus on developing your containerized applications instead of wrestling with Kubernetes. In short, CodeReady includes the tools and