VS Code + Robotron

Build & launch your website

From a blank folder to a live HTTPS URL — use Visual Studio Code to create your app, then ship it with the Robotron extension. No terminal deploy scripts required.

  1. Download Visual Studio Code

    VS Code is Microsoft's free code editor. Grab the installer for your operating system from the official site.

    1. Open code.visualstudio.com/download in your browser.
    2. Choose macOS, Windows, or Linux.
    3. Save the installer file (.dmg on Mac, .exe on Windows, or your distro package on Linux).
    Download VS Code

  2. Install VS Code

    Run the installer, then open Visual Studio Code from Applications (Mac), the Start menu (Windows), or your app launcher (Linux).

    macOS
    1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
    2. Drag Visual Studio Code into your Applications folder.
    3. Launch VS Code — allow it in Security & Privacy if macOS asks.
    Windows
    1. Run the UserSetup or .exe installer you downloaded.
    2. Follow the setup wizard (defaults are fine).
    3. Open Visual Studio Code from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
    Linux
    1. Install via your package manager (.deb, .rpm) or Snap, per the download page.
    2. Launch Code from your applications menu.

  3. Create a new project

    Robotron deploys the folder you have open in VS Code. Start fresh or open an existing site folder.

    1. In VS Code, choose File → Open Folder… (or Cmd+O / Ctrl+O).
    2. Create a new empty folder (e.g. my-coffee-shop) and select it.
    3. Optional: use File → New File to add index.html — or create files in the next step.

    Tip: Keep project files in one folder. Robotron pushes that workspace to hosting when you deploy.

  4. Install the Robotron extension

    The Robotron Deploy extension connects VS Code to Robotron hosting — same extension as Cursor.

    1. In VS Code, open Extensions (Cmd+Shift+X or Ctrl+Shift+X).
    2. Search for Robotron or open the marketplace link below.
    3. Click Install on Robotron Deploy (publisher: robotron-app).
    4. Reload the window if VS Code prompts you.
    Install Robotron extension

    Requires git on your computer (git --version in a terminal). VS Code 1.85+ recommended.

  5. Build your site in VS Code

    Write HTML, CSS, Laravel, or other files in your project folder — by hand or with an AI assistant extension such as GitHub Copilot.

    1. Create or edit files in the Explorer sidebar (Cmd+N / Ctrl+N for a new file).
    2. Optional: install GitHub Copilot and open Copilot Chat to describe the site you want.
    3. Be specific about layout, colors, and pages — review changes before saving.
    4. Preview in a browser (right-click index.html → Open with Live Server if you use that extension, or open the file directly).
    Example prompt (Copilot Chat)

    Create a simple landing page for a coffee shop called "Bean & Brew" with a hero section, menu of three drinks, and a contact footer. Use warm brown tones and responsive CSS in index.html and styles.css.

  6. Go Live!

    One command ships your folder to a live HTTPS URL on Robotron. First deploy creates your account automatically.

    1. Run Go Live! from the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P), status bar, or Robotron sidebar.
    2. Shortcut: Cmd+Alt+D (Mac) or Ctrl+Alt+D (Windows).
    3. Wait for progress in the notification — Robotron provisions hosting and deploys your files.
    4. Click Open Website or copy the URL when deploy finishes.

    Redeploy after edits with the same command, or use Update when you have new local changes. Manage all sites in My Apps.

    Get the extension See a live demo

Ready to go live?

Install VS Code, add Robotron, build your site, and deploy in minutes. Free hosting and extension deploys.

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