CoderPad

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to CoderPad

A curated collection of the 3 best self hosted alternatives to CoderPad.

Browser-based technical interviewing platform that provides a collaborative live-coding editor and executable runtime for multiple languages, supporting pair-programming sessions, take-home assessments, automated test cases, candidate evaluation, and integrations with applicant tracking systems.

Alternatives List

#1
Rustpad

Rustpad

Efficient, minimal collaborative code editor with real-time editing in the browser, OT-based syncing, WebSocket communication, and optional SQLite persistence.

Rustpad screenshot

Rustpad is an efficient, minimal collaborative text editor for writing code together in the browser. It uses an operational transformation (OT) approach for real-time collaboration and is designed to be lightweight, with no database required by default.

Key Features

  • Real-time collaborative editing over WebSocket connections
  • OT-based synchronization designed for low-latency concurrent editing
  • Monaco Editor-based web UI (VS Code editor component)
  • In-memory document storage with automatic garbage collection for inactive pads
  • Optional persistence via SQLite snapshots to retain documents across restarts
  • Simple deployment as a small Docker image

Use Cases

  • Pair programming and live code review sessions
  • Sharing temporary collaborative notes or code snippets during incidents
  • Lightweight collaborative editor for internal teams without heavy dependencies

Limitations and Considerations

  • By default, documents are transient and can be lost on restart or after the inactivity expiry window unless SQLite persistence is configured

Rustpad is a good fit when you want a fast, no-frills collaborative editor that is easy to deploy and operate. Its minimal architecture and optional persistence make it practical for temporary collaboration as well as lightweight long-running installations.

3.9kstars
189forks
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#2
Schoco

Schoco

Web-based IDE for Java 8 focused on teaching: teacher-managed assignments, JUnit auto-testing, isolated execution via Docker workers, and Gitea-backed projects.

Schoco is a web-based integrated development environment designed specifically for teaching Java (Java 8) at school. It provides teacher-managed assignments, per-student branches, and automated JUnit-based testing while running user code in isolated worker containers.

Key Features

  • Web-based IDE tailored to Java 8 with editing, compile, run and test capabilities suited for classroom use
  • Teacher and student roles with assignments: teachers create assignments, pupils receive per-student branches and submit solutions
  • Automated evaluation using JUnit tests with visible pass-percent results for teachers
  • Isolated execution using short-lived Docker worker containers for each compile/run/test action to improve security
  • Projects stored in Git repositories via an integrated Gitea instance; each project uses a UUID-based repo and student work uses branches
  • Lightweight metadata storage using SQLite for users, courses, projects and assignment info
  • Live output streamed to the browser via WebSocket connections, requiring reverse-proxy support for websockets
  • Frontend localization (English/German) and configurable runtime limits (e.g., execution time, number of workers)
  • Deployable via Docker Compose with an included Nginx gateway and recommended reverse-proxy configuration

Use Cases

  • Teachers assigning, auto-testing and reviewing Java programming homework in classroom or remote teaching scenarios
  • Students practicing Java programming without needing local JRE installs or complex toolchains
  • Demonstrations and live code comparisons in class by opening student submissions and projecting them for discussion

Limitations and Considerations

  • Language support is focused on Java 8; many JVM features (file IO, networking, spawning processes, UI) are restricted by the Java security manager
  • Requires Docker/Docker Compose and an appropriate reverse-proxy configuration to handle WebSocket traffic securely
  • Uses SQLite for metadata which may not suit very large multi-tenant deployments without modification
  • Some administrator setup steps (Gitea user creation, filesystem permissions, nproc considerations) are required on first start

Schoco is a focused classroom tool that streamlines assignment distribution, isolated code execution and automated testing for Java teaching. It prioritizes safety and easy classroom workflows over features needed for professional software development.

35stars
4forks
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#3
XRSH

XRSH

XRSH is a browser-based XR terminal/REPL that can run standalone from a single executable, optionally booting a Linux ISO and embedding into A-Frame scenes.

XRSH screenshot

XRSH is a web-based XR terminal and REPL that runs in the browser and can be served locally or hosted as static assets. It is distributed as a single cross-platform executable that bundles the app and can optionally boot an emulated Linux ISO for a shell-like experience.

Key Features

  • Browser-first terminal/REPL interface designed for XR usage
  • Single-file distribution (a bundled executable that can be unpacked like a zip)
  • Multiple run modes: local server, container image, Nix-based installs, or hosted from a forge/pages setup
  • Optional ISO boot support and file overlay mechanism to customize content
  • Embeddable “isoterminal” component for A-Frame apps
  • Built-in help/manual access from within the terminal UI

Use Cases

  • Embedding an interactive terminal/REPL into WebXR or A-Frame experiences
  • Shipping a portable “terminal-in-a-browser” environment for demos, workshops, or kiosks
  • Hosting a customizable XR terminal endpoint from your own infrastructure

Limitations and Considerations

  • ISO-based mode can increase load times and may require additional WASM assets
  • Some deployment modes assume serving over HTTPS for full browser capabilities

XRSH is a pragmatic approach to distributing an XR-capable terminal experience as simple web content, while still allowing advanced setups such as ISO booting and environment customization. It fits projects that want an interactive terminal UI in the browser and the option to integrate it directly into WebXR scenes.

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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running