Running Claude Code Directly on Servers

January 13, 2025

In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-assisted development, running Claude Code directly on remote servers has emerged as a game-changing approach for developers looking to build prototypes, small applications, and games with unprecedented speed and flexibility.

Why Run Claude Code on Remote Servers?

Traditional development workflows often involve working locally and then deploying to remote servers. But what if your AI assistant could work directly where your code lives? Running Claude Code on a remote Linux server eliminates the friction of deployment cycles and enables real-time development in the actual production environment.

This approach is particularly powerful for:

  • Rapid prototyping - Test ideas instantly without local setup
  • Small applications - Build and iterate directly in the cloud
  • Game development - Leverage server resources for testing multiplayer features
  • Team collaboration - Share a development environment effortlessly

Getting Started: Installation via npm

Installing Claude Code on a remote Linux server is straightforward using npm:

ssh your-server.com
npm install -g @anthropic/claude-code
claude-code

That’s it! You now have a powerful AI coding assistant running directly on your server, ready to help you build, debug, and deploy applications at incredible speed.

Keeping Your Session Alive

When working with Claude Code on a remote server, you’ll want to maintain persistent sessions. You have two primary options:

Option 1: Keep Your Terminal Open

Simply leave your SSH connection active. This works well for shorter development sessions where you’re actively engaged with the tool.

Option 2: Use GNU Screen

For longer sessions or when you need to disconnect and reconnect later, GNU Screen is your best friend:

screen -S claude-session
claude-code
# Press Ctrl+A, then D to detach
# Later, reconnect with:
screen -r claude-session

This allows you to maintain your Claude Code session even when disconnecting from the server, perfect for long-running tasks or when switching between devices.

Mobile Development: Code from Anywhere

One of the most liberating aspects of running Claude Code on servers is the ability to code from literally anywhere using a mobile SSH client. Popular mobile SSH apps like Termius, JuiceSSH, or Blink Shell transform your phone into a powerful development terminal.

Imagine being able to:

  • Fix critical bugs while commuting
  • Prototype new features from a coffee shop
  • Deploy updates while traveling
  • Continue development sessions seamlessly across devices

With Claude Code running on your server and accessible via mobile SSH, your entire development environment fits in your pocket.

The Fast Track: AppIsUp Platform

While setting up Claude Code on your own server is straightforward, platforms like AppIsUp take this concept even further. AppIsUp automatically spins up cloud Linux servers with Claude Code pre-attached and configured, allowing you to start coding immediately.

What makes AppIsUp particularly compelling is its interface flexibility:

  • Text prompts - Traditional typing for precise control
  • Voice commands - Hands-free coding for rapid ideation

Simply describe what you want to build, and you’re instantly connected to a server with Claude Code ready to bring your ideas to life. No setup, no configuration, just pure creative flow.

Conclusion

Running Claude Code directly on servers represents a paradigm shift in how we approach rapid development. Whether you’re building a quick prototype, iterating on a small application, or experimenting with game mechanics, having an AI assistant that operates directly in your deployment environment accelerates development cycles dramatically.

The combination of easy npm installation, persistent sessions via screen, mobile accessibility, and platforms like AppIsUp that remove all friction from the setup process means that the barrier between idea and implementation has never been lower.

As AI-assisted development continues to evolve, running these tools directly where our code lives – on the servers themselves – may well become the new standard for agile, responsive development workflows.


Published by Laravel & Vue.js who lives and works in Sydney building useful things.