Run VSCode and terminal on any iOS device

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Blink + VS Code on iOS: What It Actually Does

  • Blink is an iOS terminal/SSH (and mosh) client that can host a web-based VS Code instance locally.
  • It can edit files on the iPad or on remote machines, using VS Code’s web/remote APIs.
  • Users report it works well, but:
    • It’s the web version of VS Code, so some extensions and features (e.g., integrated terminals, full filesystem access) are limited or require extra setup.
    • UI scaling of VS Code inside Blink is mentioned as a pain point.

Remote-First Dev Workflows

  • Common patterns:
    • SSH or mosh into a remote dev box, often with tmux to preserve sessions.
    • Some replace mosh with SSH-over-WireGuard/Tailscale to get roaming and persistence.
    • Others run code-server or Kubernetes dev pods and use Blink as the front end.
  • For many, all heavy work (builds, containers) runs remotely; the iPad is mainly a thin client.

iPad Power vs. OS Restrictions

  • Many lament that M-series iPads are as powerful as laptops but can’t run general-purpose OSes (macOS/Linux/Windows).
  • Frustration that development tools must be webified or tunneled through remote setups instead of running natively.
  • Some say Apple intentionally segments products (no macOS on iPad, no touchscreen Macs).

Should Lockdowns Be Legal?

  • One camp argues iPad/game-console-style lock-in should be illegal:
    • Seen as anti-consumer, bad for sustainability, and harmful to kids’ learning environments.
    • Suggests requiring unlockable bootloaders so users can install alternative OSes.
  • Others counter:
    • Buyers know the constraints; if you dislike them, don’t buy.
    • Companies can design constrained appliances; overregulation could backfire (e.g., Apple crippling hardware instead).
    • Antitrust actions may be more appropriate than mandating macOS on iPads.

Alternatives and Comparisons

  • Samsung DeX + Termux/Ubuntu, Surface Pro with full VS Code, Linux tablets, Android phones + Termux/Proot are cited as more “real computer” options.
  • Some use Raspberry Pi or remote desktops instead of relying on iPad tricks.

Blink Pricing, FOSS, and iOS Limits

  • Blink is subscription-based (~$20/year), open source (GPL), and can be self-built.
  • Supporters see the sub as sustainable funding; critics dislike “renting tools.”
  • iOS signing/JIT restrictions mean self-built or FOSS apps often require periodic reinstallation and lack full capabilities, which is seen as hostile to FOSS.

Safari, Web Standards, and Dev UX

  • Mixed reports on Safari’s clipboard and web app behavior (e.g., Codespaces, Jupyter).
  • Some say clipboard APIs work; others experience broken copy/paste and scrolling, reinforcing the “Safari is the new IE” sentiment.

Is an iPad a Viable Dev Machine?

  • Works well for:
    • Remote-only workflows (SSH, cloud dev, college students on a budget).
    • Occasional coding with external keyboard/stand.
  • Still seen by many as a workaround-laden, second-class experience compared to a laptop.