# What is Cloud Development Environments?

> CDE

It is the hosting of all tools required for software development on servers over the internet instead of a local computer.

## Overview
In the past, a developer had to install dozens of programs on their computer. Thanks to CDE, as soon as you open your browser, you connect to a ready-to-use software development environment. All code, tools, and server settings are on the internet, so you can continue from where you left off from any device.

*Analogy: It is like renting a professional kitchen online where all kinds of equipment are ready, instead of cooking in your own kitchen.*

## How it works
You enter the relevant platform in the browser, your project files are loaded automatically, and you start writing code. The operations do not take place on your computer, but on powerful remote servers.

## Where it is used
It is used in large software teams and companies that develop rapid prototypes.

## Commonly confused with
It might only be confused with remote desktop; however, this system is specifically optimized for writing code.

## Frequently asked questions
**What happens to my code if my computer breaks?**
Nothing happens, because your code is already safely stored on servers on the internet.


## Related terms
- [IDE](/en/dictionary/ide/)
- [Cloud Computing](/en/dictionary/cloud-computing/)

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Source: TreScout Dictionary · https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/cloud-development-environments/