Summary

We need to document the key differences between code-server (from Coder) and VS Code Web (from Microsoft) to help users understand the benefits and trade-offs.

Background

This came up in discussions with [tech lead] and should be added to our documentation.

Key Differences to Document

1. Settings Storage: code-server stores user settings on remote disk vs Code Web in browser
2. Marketplace Configuration: code-server supports configurable marketplace via flags/env vars, uses Open VSX by default
3. Telemetry: code-server allows configurable telemetry endpoint
4. Web Views: Code Web uses Microsoft CDN, code-server is self-contained
5. Proxy Integration: code-server integrates with Coder's proxy for ports panel
6. External File Access: code-server allows opening files from web terminal
7. Path-based State: code-server has fixes for state collisions with path-based routing
8. File Operations: code-server has options to disable downloads/uploads
9. Proposed API: Always enabled in code-server, restricted in Code Web
10. Clipboard Integration: code-server supports piping text to clipboard from terminal
11. Display Languages: Language pack extensions work in code-server, not Code Web
12. Sourcemaps: code-server loads locally vs CDN (though currently broken)
13. Authentication: code-server has optional login form
14. Built-in Proxy: code-server includes development proxy (not needed with Coder)
15. Health Endpoint: code-server provides /healthz endpoint

Acceptance Criteria

• Create comprehensive documentation comparing code-server vs VS Code Web
• Include practical implications for Coder users
• Add to appropriate section of docs
• Review with engineering team for accuracy