Eclipse Che review
A Kubernetes-native, open-source workspace platform for teams managing development environments.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Eclipse Che is an open-source cloud development environment platform for development teams and organizations that want browser-based workspaces running in Kubernetes containers. Teams can create workspaces from Git repositories, define project setup with versioned Devfiles, and choose Visual Studio Code or JetBrains IDE support. It is available through a Red Hat-hosted service or as a deployment on Kubernetes and OpenShift, including air-gapped environments.
Its ecosystem fit is a central strength. Che connects with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps, while Kubernetes and OpenShift provide the runtime foundation. JetBrains Gateway is also supported, and REST and Kubernetes APIs allow workspace management to connect with broader internal tooling. OAuth, OpenID Connect, and Kubernetes RBAC provide configurable authentication options, while persistent volumes retain project files and workspace data across workspace activity.
The trade-off is operational scope. Organizations choosing self-hosting need to manage the underlying Kubernetes or OpenShift environment, along with configurable CPU, memory, storage, container resources, and cluster sizing. Che also offers configurable AI coding assistants injected into workspaces, but its strongest fit remains teams that want Kubernetes-native control rather than a narrowly managed hosted editor. Choose Eclipse Che when reproducible, API-managed workspaces and multiple Git and IDE integrations matter. A simpler development environment may suit teams that do not want to operate Kubernetes-based workspace infrastructure.
Eclipse Che pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Devfile-based configuration supports repeatable workspace setup in YAML
- Works with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps
- Supports VS Code and JetBrains IDEs with persistent project storage
- Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployments require Kubernetes or OpenShift infrastructure
- Resource, storage, and authentication configuration adds platform overhead
- No commercial pricing or free-plan structure is presented
Eclipse Che fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update