Show HN: CodeAir – Control VS Code from Your Phone

[pk97]

https://www.codeair.app

Hey HN, Inspired by the classic "Compiling" XKCD comic (https://3d.xkcd.com/303/), I’ve built CodeAir (codeair.app) – an Android app and VS Code extension that turns your phone into a remote control for VS Code.

With CodeAir, you can:

- Control 800+ VS Code commands right from your phone.

- Send text and image files directly into your workspace and even have the images transcribed using AI. So imagine taking a snapshot of a piece of code from a physical textbook and being directly able to run that inside VS Code.

- Request screenshots from VS Code while AFK and get them delivered to your phone so you can monitor long builds or processes remotely when you're on a coffee break.

- If you’ve got an OpenAI API key, you can even perform QnA over your transferred files and images.

I made this tool to help monitor long builds or tests when I’m AFK, but it’s useful for so much more! It’s super niche, but I hope some of you find it helpful.

Check it out at codeair.app and let me know what you think. Feedback is very welcome!

[dennisy]

This is a cool project! However maybe we should just be on a break when on a coffee break?

[itake → dennisy]

I saw it as tool to monitor long running executions.

[pk97 → dennisy]

hehe, yeah, sometimes you should and sometimes you end up being a character like in the xkcd comic.

[pk97]

Just in case someone finds this - I had to rename and move the project to aircodum.com as an entity called 'codeair.in' tried to harass me, claiming they had a TradeMark (they really didnot) and I wanted to avoid drama.

[NBJack]

This sounds like it would give our InfoSec team heart palpitations over the potential data leaks and new attack vectors.

[pk97 → NBJack]

I am curious to hear more. Everything happens over local network, so unless the network is compromised, it shouldn't cause too much trouble? I am advising users against using this over something like airport wifi or something.

[anonzzzies]

Are you going to release the source? As the github only has a Readme currently?

[pk97 → anonzzzies]

Thanks purple-leafy, I do share some similar concerns. There was only a recent case where a popular open source project was cloned and turned into a startup.

I am offering the Android app and extension for free. I'll be open sourcing the extension soon. I am hesitant to open source the Android app until I also get the iOS version out.

[anonzzzies → pk97]

You people have issues reading? I just asked if you are going to as you have a repository. If you do not that's fine. jeeze.

[pk97 → anonzzzies]

sorry if my answer came off the wrong way, I just meant, yes I'll be releasing the source code for the VS Code extension.

[pk97 → pk97]

I open sourced the extension code.

[purple-leafy → anonzzzies]

Why should they?

[ethanwillis → purple-leafy]

Because this has deep integration with potentially sensitive data?

[purple-leafy → ethanwillis]

Then don’t use it lol, they are under no obligation to share their code for someone else to steal

[donbreo → purple-leafy]

bad take. there is no point in posting it if we don't know if its safe to use. The world doesn't work on the "Trust me bro principle."

[purple-leafy → donbreo]

Okay fair enough. But as a developer it grinds my gears when I work hard on something and like a moth to flame I get asked to open source it (so others can copy my hard work)

[anonzzzies → purple-leafy]

It was a question. And the read me has a contributing section, so it's pretty logical to assume so. It is also incredibly niche as author says themselves; usually that means the more the better.

[anis-mer]

Amazing job! I'm really looking forward to diving into the source code when (or if) you release it. Curious—are you using WebSockets or any other technology for real-time updates?

[pk97 → anis-mer]

thank you! I'll release the code for the VSC Extension soon.

[mejutoco]

If the thing you are waiting for is a command you can alternatively invoke your command as

   command && beep

It will beep one time once it finishes successfully.

[pk97 → mejutoco]

Thank you, this is a TIL!!

[just-tom]

Nice! I'm using AnyDesk for both desktop and phone, and then can completely control my computer from my phone, not only vs code. Also for watching long processes.

[pk97 → just-tom]

anydesk etc. are good, but this app does a little more than monitoring. It's like a cross between anydesk use case and airdrop (like you can send files and images etc to your wokspace). And everything happens over your local network.

[gbraad → just-tom]

anydesk relies on a relay/third-party. this seems more like a direct connection (needs something like tailscale for remote access)

[compootr]

fine idea but looks like you forgot to push the source up to your github repo.

[pk97 → compootr]

Thank you for checking on things, I am working on open sourcing the extension part of the project which should be available soon!

[sestep]

TIL 3d.xkcd.com exists.

[pk97 → sestep]

I love HN for these moments - when you learn things that are orthogonal to the original post.

[prameshbajra]

Eagerly waiting for the iOS app.

[pk97 → prameshbajra]

Thank you, I am working on it!

[gbraad]

please, publish to openvsx.

[gbraad → gbraad]

phone app still has template code left in; react native?

[pk97 → gbraad]

Thank you so much for pointing these out! Yes, it's react native. And thanks to your comment, I am also working on getting my account setup on open vsx