devcontainer-setup

Creates devcontainers with Claude Code, language-specific tooling (Python/Node/Rust/Go), and persistent volumes. Use when adding devcontainer support to a project, setting up isolated development environments, or configuring sandboxed Claude Code workspaces.

38 stars

Best use case

devcontainer-setup is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.

Creates devcontainers with Claude Code, language-specific tooling (Python/Node/Rust/Go), and persistent volumes. Use when adding devcontainer support to a project, setting up isolated development environments, or configuring sandboxed Claude Code workspaces.

Teams using devcontainer-setup should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.

When to use this skill

  • You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.

When not to use this skill

  • You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
  • You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.

Installation

Claude Code / Cursor / Codex

$curl -o ~/.claude/skills/devcontainer-setup/SKILL.md --create-dirs "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/lingxling/awesome-skills-cn/main/antigravity-awesome-skills/plugins/antigravity-awesome-skills-claude/skills/devcontainer-setup/SKILL.md"

Manual Installation

  1. Download SKILL.md from GitHub
  2. Place it in .claude/skills/devcontainer-setup/SKILL.md inside your project
  3. Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill

How devcontainer-setup Compares

Feature / Agentdevcontainer-setupStandard Approach
Platform SupportNot specifiedLimited / Varies
Context Awareness High Baseline
Installation ComplexityUnknownN/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this skill do?

Creates devcontainers with Claude Code, language-specific tooling (Python/Node/Rust/Go), and persistent volumes. Use when adding devcontainer support to a project, setting up isolated development environments, or configuring sandboxed Claude Code workspaces.

Where can I find the source code?

You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.

Related Guides

SKILL.md Source

# Devcontainer Setup Skill

Creates a pre-configured devcontainer with Claude Code and language-specific tooling.

## When to Use
- User asks to "set up a devcontainer" or "add devcontainer support"
- User wants a sandboxed Claude Code development environment
- User needs isolated development environments with persistent configuration

## When NOT to Use

- User already has a devcontainer configuration and just needs modifications
- User is asking about general Docker or container questions
- User wants to deploy production containers (this is for development only)

## Workflow

```mermaid
flowchart TB
    start([User requests devcontainer])
    recon[1. Project Reconnaissance]
    detect[2. Detect Languages]
    generate[3. Generate Configuration]
    write[4. Write files to .devcontainer/]
    done([Done])

    start --> recon
    recon --> detect
    detect --> generate
    generate --> write
    write --> done
```

## Phase 1: Project Reconnaissance

### Infer Project Name

Check in order (use first match):

1. `package.json` → `name` field
2. `pyproject.toml` → `project.name`
3. `Cargo.toml` → `package.name`
4. `go.mod` → module path (last segment after `/`)
5. Directory name as fallback

Convert to slug: lowercase, replace spaces/underscores with hyphens.

### Detect Language Stack

| Language | Detection Files |
|----------|-----------------|
| Python | `pyproject.toml`, `*.py` |
| Node/TypeScript | `package.json`, `tsconfig.json` |
| Rust | `Cargo.toml` |
| Go | `go.mod`, `go.sum` |

### Multi-Language Projects

If multiple languages are detected, configure all of them in the following priority order:

1. **Python** - Primary language, uses Dockerfile for uv + Python installation
2. **Node/TypeScript** - Uses devcontainer feature
3. **Rust** - Uses devcontainer feature
4. **Go** - Uses devcontainer feature

For multi-language `postCreateCommand`, chain all setup commands:
```
uv run /opt/post_install.py && uv sync && npm ci
```

Extensions and settings from all detected languages should be merged into the configuration.

## Phase 2: Generate Configuration

Start with base templates from `resources/` directory. Substitute:

- `{{PROJECT_NAME}}` → Human-readable name (e.g., "My Project")
- `{{PROJECT_SLUG}}` → Slug for volumes (e.g., "my-project")

Then apply language-specific modifications below.

## Base Template Features

The base template includes:

- **Claude Code** with marketplace plugins (anthropics/skills, trailofbits/skills, trailofbits/skills-curated)
- **Python 3.13** via uv (fast binary download)
- **Node 22** via fnm (Fast Node Manager)
- **ast-grep** for AST-based code search
- **Network isolation tools** (iptables, ipset) with NET_ADMIN capability
- **Modern CLI tools**: ripgrep, fd, fzf, tmux, git-delta

---

## Language-Specific Sections

### Python Projects

**Detection:** `pyproject.toml`, `requirements.txt`, `setup.py`, or `*.py` files

**Dockerfile additions:**

The base Dockerfile already includes Python 3.13 via uv. If a different version is required (detected from `pyproject.toml`), modify the Python installation:

```dockerfile
# Install Python via uv (fast binary download, not source compilation)
RUN uv python install <version> --default
```

**devcontainer.json extensions:**

Add to `customizations.vscode.extensions`:
```json
"ms-python.python",
"ms-python.vscode-pylance",
"charliermarsh.ruff"
```

Add to `customizations.vscode.settings`:
```json
"python.defaultInterpreterPath": ".venv/bin/python",
"[python]": {
  "editor.defaultFormatter": "charliermarsh.ruff",
  "editor.codeActionsOnSave": {
    "source.organizeImports": "explicit"
  }
}
```

**postCreateCommand:**
If `pyproject.toml` exists, chain commands:
```
rm -rf .venv && uv sync && uv run /opt/post_install.py
```

---

### Node/TypeScript Projects

**Detection:** `package.json` or `tsconfig.json`

**No Dockerfile additions needed:** The base template includes Node 22 via fnm (Fast Node Manager).

**devcontainer.json extensions:**

Add to `customizations.vscode.extensions`:
```json
"dbaeumer.vscode-eslint",
"esbenp.prettier-vscode"
```

Add to `customizations.vscode.settings`:
```json
"editor.defaultFormatter": "esbenp.prettier-vscode",
"editor.codeActionsOnSave": {
  "source.fixAll.eslint": "explicit"
}
```

**postCreateCommand:**
Detect package manager from lockfile and chain with base command:
- `pnpm-lock.yaml` → `uv run /opt/post_install.py && pnpm install --frozen-lockfile`
- `yarn.lock` → `uv run /opt/post_install.py && yarn install --frozen-lockfile`
- `package-lock.json` → `uv run /opt/post_install.py && npm ci`
- No lockfile → `uv run /opt/post_install.py && npm install`

---

### Rust Projects

**Detection:** `Cargo.toml`

**Features to add:**

```json
"ghcr.io/devcontainers/features/rust:1": {}
```

**devcontainer.json extensions:**

Add to `customizations.vscode.extensions`:
```json
"rust-lang.rust-analyzer",
"tamasfe.even-better-toml"
```

Add to `customizations.vscode.settings`:
```json
"[rust]": {
  "editor.defaultFormatter": "rust-lang.rust-analyzer"
}
```

**postCreateCommand:**
If `Cargo.lock` exists, use locked builds:
```
uv run /opt/post_install.py && cargo build --locked
```
If no lockfile, use standard build:
```
uv run /opt/post_install.py && cargo build
```

---

### Go Projects

**Detection:** `go.mod`

**Features to add:**

```json
"ghcr.io/devcontainers/features/go:1": {
  "version": "latest"
}
```

**devcontainer.json extensions:**

Add to `customizations.vscode.extensions`:
```json
"golang.go"
```

Add to `customizations.vscode.settings`:
```json
"[go]": {
  "editor.defaultFormatter": "golang.go"
},
"go.useLanguageServer": true
```

**postCreateCommand:**
```
uv run /opt/post_install.py && go mod download
```

---

## Reference Material

For additional guidance, see:
- `references/dockerfile-best-practices.md` - Layer optimization, multi-stage builds, architecture support
- `references/features-vs-dockerfile.md` - When to use devcontainer features vs custom Dockerfile

---

## Adding Persistent Volumes

Pattern for new mounts in `devcontainer.json`:

```json
"mounts": [
  "source={{PROJECT_SLUG}}-<purpose>-${devcontainerId},target=<container-path>,type=volume"
]
```

Common additions:
- `source={{PROJECT_SLUG}}-cargo-${devcontainerId},target=/home/vscode/.cargo,type=volume` (Rust)
- `source={{PROJECT_SLUG}}-go-${devcontainerId},target=/home/vscode/go,type=volume` (Go)

---

## Output Files

Generate these files in the project's `.devcontainer/` directory:

1. `Dockerfile` - Container build instructions
2. `devcontainer.json` - VS Code/devcontainer configuration
3. `post_install.py` - Post-creation setup script
4. `.zshrc` - Shell configuration
5. `install.sh` - CLI helper for managing the devcontainer (`devc` command)

---

## Validation Checklist

Before presenting files to the user, verify:

1. All `{{PROJECT_NAME}}` placeholders are replaced with the human-readable name
2. All `{{PROJECT_SLUG}}` placeholders are replaced with the slugified name
3. JSON syntax is valid in `devcontainer.json` (no trailing commas, proper nesting)
4. Language-specific extensions are added for all detected languages
5. `postCreateCommand` includes all required setup commands (chained with `&&`)

---

## User Instructions

After generating, inform the user:

1. How to start: "Open in VS Code and select 'Reopen in Container'"
2. Alternative: `devcontainer up --workspace-folder .`
3. CLI helper: Run `.devcontainer/install.sh self-install` to add the `devc` command to PATH

## Limitations
- Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
- Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
- Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.

Related Skills

ui-setup

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Interactive StyleSeed setup wizard for choosing app type, brand color, visual style, typography, and the first screen scaffold.

odoo-hr-payroll-setup

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Expert guide for Odoo HR and Payroll: salary structures, payslip rules, leave policies, employee contracts, and payroll journal entries.

observability-monitoring-monitor-setup

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

You are a monitoring and observability expert specializing in implementing comprehensive monitoring solutions. Set up metrics collection, distributed tracing, log aggregation, and create insightful da

expo-tailwind-setup

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Set up Tailwind CSS v4 in Expo with react-native-css and NativeWind v5 for universal styling

environment-setup-guide

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Guide developers through setting up development environments with proper tools, dependencies, and configurations

conductor-setup

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Configure a Rails project to work with Conductor (parallel coding agents)

ab-test-setup

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Structured guide for setting up A/B tests with mandatory gates for hypothesis, metrics, and execution readiness.

find-skills

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Helps users discover and install agent skills when they ask questions like "how do I do X", "find a skill for X", "is there a skill that can...", or express interest in extending capabilities. This skill should be used when the user is looking for functionality that might exist as an installable skill.

vercel-cli-with-tokens

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Deploy and manage projects on Vercel using token-based authentication. Use when working with Vercel CLI using access tokens rather than interactive login — e.g. "deploy to vercel", "set up vercel", "add environment variables to vercel".

vercel-react-view-transitions

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Guide for implementing smooth, native-feeling animations using React's View Transition API (`<ViewTransition>` component, `addTransitionType`, and CSS view transition pseudo-elements). Use this skill whenever the user wants to add page transitions, animate route changes, create shared element animations, animate enter/exit of components, animate list reorder, implement directional (forward/back) navigation animations, or integrate view transitions in Next.js. Also use when the user mentions view transitions, `startViewTransition`, `ViewTransition`, transition types, or asks about animating between UI states in React without third-party animation libraries.

vercel-react-native-skills

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

React Native and Expo best practices for building performant mobile apps. Use when building React Native components, optimizing list performance, implementing animations, or working with native modules. Triggers on tasks involving React Native, Expo, mobile performance, or native platform APIs.

deploy-to-vercel

38
from lingxling/awesome-skills-cn

Deploy applications and websites to Vercel. Use when the user requests deployment actions like "deploy my app", "deploy and give me the link", "push this live", or "create a preview deployment".