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 per user persists between sessions, so scripts, configurations, and projects are stored persistently. If Cloud Shell is not used for 120 days, Google automatically deletes the home directory.
Core Features
- Pre-installed Tools: gcloud, kubectl, terraform, docker, git, python, node.js
- Code Editor: Browser-based editor with Cloud Code integration
- 5 GB Persistent Storage: Home directory persists between sessions
- Web Preview: Test local web apps directly from Cloud Shell
- Boost Mode: Switches from the default e2-small VM to a more powerful e2-medium VM for heavier 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
- Session timeout: Interactive sessions end after roughly one hour of inactivity, and the VM is then discarded
- Global region distribution instead of fixed EU data residency: The exact storage region of the home directory is not publicly fixed
- Fair-use limits: Not for intensive or permanent workloads
Integration with innFactory
As a certified 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. Interactive sessions end after roughly one hour 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 with Cloud Code integration enables file editing in the browser.
Where is Cloud Shell data stored?
Cloud Shell is globally distributed across multiple Google Cloud regions, and users are automatically assigned to the closest available region. For GDPR-sensitive data, evaluate whether Cloud Shell fits your use case and use it primarily for administrative tasks rather than storing personal data.
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.
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Google Cloud (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Google Cloud.
