Cloud Shell provides a complete development environment directly in the browser. Manage GCP resources, run scripts, or learn cloud technologies without local installation.
What is Cloud Shell?
Cloud Shell is a free, ephemeral Linux VM available directly in the Google Cloud Console. With one click, you get access to a Debian-based environment with pre-installed gcloud CLI, kubectl, Terraform, and dozens of other tools.
The 5 GB home directory persists between sessions, so scripts, configurations, and projects are stored persistently.
Core Features
- Pre-installed Tools: gcloud, kubectl, terraform, docker, git, python, node.js
- Code Editor: Browser-based editor with syntax highlighting
- 5 GB Persistent Storage: Home directory persists
- Web Preview: Test local web apps directly from Cloud Shell
- Boost Mode: Temporarily stronger VM for intensive tasks
Typical Use Cases
GCP Administration
Quick management tasks without local gcloud installation. Change IAM policies, check logs, or create resources.
Terraform Deployments
Deploy infrastructure as code directly from Cloud Shell. Terraform and gcloud are pre-installed, authentication happens automatically.
Tutorials and Learning
Google Cloud tutorials use Cloud Shell for hands-on exercises. Ideal environment for experimenting without risk.
Benefits
- Instantly available: No installation, no configuration
- Free: No fees for VM usage
- Always up-to-date: Tools are automatically updated
- Available anywhere: Only a browser required
Limitations
- 20 minute timeout: VM terminates on inactivity
- No EU data residency: Home directory stored in USA
- Fair-use limits: Not for intensive or permanent workloads
Integration with innFactory
As a Google Cloud Partner, innFactory supports you in effectively using Cloud Shell for development, deployment, and administration of your GCP environment.
Typical Use Cases
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cloud Shell?
Cloud Shell is a free, browser-based development environment on Google Cloud. You get a Debian-based Linux VM with pre-installed gcloud CLI, kubectl, Terraform, and other tools. The home directory (5 GB) persists between sessions.
Is Cloud Shell really free?
Yes, Cloud Shell is free with fair-use limits. With intensive usage (mining, permanent workloads), access may be temporarily restricted. The VM terminates after 20 minutes of inactivity, but the home directory persists.
Which tools are pre-installed in Cloud Shell?
Cloud Shell includes gcloud CLI, kubectl, terraform, docker, git, python, node.js, go, java, and many other tools. An integrated code editor (based on Theia) enables file editing in the browser.
Where is Cloud Shell data stored?
The 5 GB home directory is stored in the USA. For GDPR-sensitive data, use Cloud Shell only for administrative tasks and do not store personal data in the home directory.
Can I use Cloud Shell for production workloads?
No, Cloud Shell is designed for development, administration, and learning. The VM has no SLA, terminates on inactivity, and has fair-use limits. For production workloads, use Compute Engine or Cloud Run.
