Instant SSH connection to servers

Save Serve is a VS Code extension that allows you to save server data and instantly connect to them via SSH without leaving your code editor.

Version 1.0.1 MIT License
Install GitHub

Features

Security

Server data gets encrypted storage in the system

Multiple Auth Methods

Works with passwords and SSH keys with password protection

One-click Connect

Connect to servers with single click

Simple Interface

Clear forms for server management in Russian and English

Server Groups

Organize servers into custom groups

Persistent Forms

No data loss when switching windows

Form Validation

Shows errors in real time

Custom Icons

Pick from many icons for servers and groups

Color Coding

Mark servers with colors

Keyboard Shortcuts

Use hotkeys for quick actions

Quick Search

Search and connect to servers fast

Installation

1

Open Visual Studio Code

2

Press Ctrl+P or Cmd+P on macOS

3

Type ext install save-serve

4

Press Enter

Terminal 
ext install save-serve

Or just find "Save Serve" in the VS Code marketplace

How to Use

  1. Click on the Save Serve icon in the left sidebar of VS Code
  2. Click the + button to add a new server
  3. Fill in the server information:
    • Server name – a meaningful name for display in the list
    • Host – IP address or domain
    • Port – default is 22
    • Username – login for connection
    • Authentication method:
      • By password – enter and save password
      • By SSH key – select key file and key password if any
Adding a server
  1. Open the Save Serve sidebar in VS Code
  2. Find the server you need in the list
  3. Simply click on the server – VS Code will instantly open a terminal with an SSH connection
  4. Done! Now you can work with the server right from VS Code
Connecting to a server

Server Groups

Save Serve allows you to organize servers into convenient groups for more efficient management:

Creating Groups

Create groups by clicking the "Add Group" button in the toolbar

Organizing Servers

Organize your servers by assigning them to groups during creation or editing

Quick Adding

Add a server directly to a group by right-clicking on the group

Managing Groups

Edit or delete groups using the context menu

Security

Save Serve uses VS Code's built-in secure storage for storing confidential server data:

Windows

Windows

Windows Credential Manager

macOS

macOS

Keychain

Linux

Linux

libsecret

All credentials are securely encrypted and never shared with third parties.

Commands

Use the command palette F1 or Ctrl+Shift+P:

Command Description
Save Serve: Add server Create a new server entry
Save Serve: Edit server Change server settings
Save Serve: Delete server Delete server entry
Save Serve: Connect to server Open SSH connection
Save Serve: Refresh server list Update panel
Save Serve: Add group Create a new server group
Save Serve: Edit group Change group settings
Save Serve: Delete group Delete group
Save Serve: Quick Connect Quick server search and connect
Save Serve: Duplicate Server Create a copy of server
Save Serve: Export Settings Export server to JSON
Save Serve: Move to Group Move server to another group

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best SSH extension for VS Code?

Save Serve is one of the best free SSH extensions for Visual Studio Code. It provides a complete SSH server management solution: save server credentials securely, organize servers into groups, and connect with a single click. Unlike other extensions, Save Serve offers custom icons, color coding, keyboard shortcuts, and secure credential storage using your operating system's native keychain.

How to manage SSH servers in VS Code?

Install Save Serve from the VS Code Marketplace (press Ctrl+P and type "ext install save-serve"). The extension adds a dedicated sidebar panel where you can add, edit, delete, and organize your SSH servers. Group servers by project or environment, assign icons and colors for quick identification, and use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Alt+C for quick connect.

How to connect to an SSH server from VS Code without typing commands?

Save Serve eliminates the need to type SSH commands manually. Simply add your server details once (host, port, username, and authentication method), then click on the server in the sidebar to instantly open a terminal with an active SSH connection. You can also use Ctrl+Alt+C to quickly search and connect to any saved server.

Is Save Serve free? Is it secure?

Yes, Save Serve is completely free and open source under the MIT license. Security is a top priority: all credentials are encrypted using your OS native keychain — Keychain on macOS, Windows Credential Manager on Windows, and libsecret on Linux. Passwords and SSH keys are never stored in plain text and never shared with third parties.

How to save SSH connections permanently in VS Code?

With Save Serve, your SSH connections are saved permanently. Add a server with all connection details, and it stays in your sidebar across VS Code sessions. You can also export your server configurations to JSON for backup or sharing. The extension supports both password and SSH key authentication with optional key passphrases.

What are the best VS Code extensions for remote development?

For SSH server management and quick terminal connections, Save Serve is an excellent choice. It focuses on simplicity: save your servers once, connect with one click. It works great alongside other remote development tools and supports all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) with secure credential storage on each platform.

Support the Project

Save Serve is a free, open-source extension. If it has been useful for your work, you can support its development:

Buy Me a Coffee

Buy me a coffee so I can code all night

CloudTips

Russian donation service if you prefer it

Your support helps to improve the extension and add new features. Thank you!