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Deploy apps from VS Code-compatible IDEs - setup guide

This guide shows how to connect AppDeploy to VS Code-compatible IDEs - VSCodium, Windsurf, and other editors that install extensions from the Open VSX registry - so you can deploy apps from your AI agent and get a live URL back.

Using GitHub Copilot in VS Code itself? See the GitHub Copilot setup guide instead.

VSCodium and IDEs with VS Code’s built-in MCP support

  1. Install the AppDeploy extension from Open VSX, or search for AppDeploy in the editor’s Extensions view. The extension registers the AppDeploy MCP server automatically.

  2. Open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P on macOS, Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows and Linux) and run MCP: List Servers. Select AppDeploy (listed under Extensions), then choose Start Server.

  3. A browser window opens for sign-in - complete it with Google, Apple, X, or Guest. AppDeploy is now connected.

Windsurf and IDEs with their own MCP settings

Some VS Code-compatible IDEs run their own AI agent with its own MCP configuration. Add AppDeploy as a remote MCP server there instead.

  1. In Windsurf, open Cascade’s MCP settings (Windsurf Settings → Cascade → Manage plugins) and add a custom server - or edit ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json directly:

    { "mcpServers": { "appdeploy": { "serverUrl": "https://api-v2.appdeploy.ai/mcp" } } }

  2. In other IDEs, add AppDeploy as a remote (HTTP) MCP server in the IDE’s MCP settings using the AppDeploy MCP URL:

    https://api-v2.appdeploy.ai/mcp

  3. Refresh or start the server. When prompted, complete the sign-in: Google, Apple, X, or Guest

Deploy

Setup is done! Ask your IDE’s AI agent (for example, Cascade in Windsurf) to build your app - it will use AppDeploy to deploy it. For example:

“Build a Hello webpage with a global visitor counter and deploy it with AppDeploy.”

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues, check our troubleshooting guide or contact us at support@appdeploy.ai.