devcontainer-setup
Lets your agent create isolated development environments using Dev Containers. It's useful for setting up language-specific tools and keeping projects organized.
What it does
This tool creates a pre-configured, isolated development environment for you to code in. It includes the necessary tools for languages like Python, Node.js, Rust, and Go, along with a code editor called Claude Code.
When to use it
- ✓When you want to start a new programming project.
- ✓When you need a clean, separate workspace to test code.
- ✓When you want to ensure your development environment matches others'.
Example of what to ask your AI
“Set up a devcontainer for my Python project.”
Want more? Open the sections below.
How to use
The easiest way: copy the message below and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor or any AI. It reads the skill and follows the instructions.
Skill link
Ready-to-paste message
How it works
The tool analyzes your project to figure out which programming languages you're using. Then, it generates configuration files that prepare an environment with the right tools and the Claude Code editor.
Installation
Easiest way: copy the skill link and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor asking it to follow the instructions.
In the terminal (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor), in your project folder:
npx skills add sickn33/agentic-awesome-skills --skill devcontainer-setupOr download just the file:
curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sickn33/agentic-awesome-skills/main/plugins/agentic-awesome-skills-claude/skills/devcontainer-setup/SKILL.md -o SKILL.mdTechnical content (original SKILL.md)
Original text by the author, straight from GitHub.
Bundled upstream support
Supporting files are included at skill-relative paths. See UPSTREAM-NOTICE.md for their pinned sources, licenses, hashes, and import changes.
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
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):
package.json→namefieldpyproject.toml→project.nameCargo.toml→package.namego.mod→ module path (last segment after/)- 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:
- Python - Primary language, uses Dockerfile for uv + Python installation
- Node/TypeScript - Uses devcontainer feature
- Rust - Uses devcontainer feature
- 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:
# Install Python via uv (fast binary download, not source compilation)
RUN uv python install <version> --default
devcontainer.json extensions:
Add to customizations.vscode.extensions:
"ms-python.python",
"ms-python.vscode-pylance",
"charliermarsh.ruff"
Add to customizations.vscode.settings:
"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:
"dbaeumer.vscode-eslint",
"esbenp.prettier-vscode"
Add to customizations.vscode.settings:
"editor.defaultFormatter": "esbenp.prettier-vscode",
"editor.codeActionsOnSave": {
"source.fixAll.eslint": "explicit"
}
postCreateCommand:
…
FAQ
What is a 'devcontainer'?
It's a container (an isolated environment) specifically set up for software development, ensuring all necessary tools are ready to go.
What are 'persistent volumes'?
These are storage spaces that keep your files and settings even after the development environment is turned off, ensuring you don't lose your work.
Can I use this to deploy my website (production)?
No, this tool is only for setting up your local development environment. It's not meant for running applications in production.
Details
Original description by the author
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.
Popularity
- GitHub stars
- 48k
- Ranking position
- #2824
- License
- MIT
- Updated
- 10/15/2026
Comments
- …
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