webapp-devspaces

name	webapp-devspaces
description	Work with Slack DevSpaces for webapp backend development — setup, container execution, and common workflows.

DevSpaces Workflow

DevSpaces are remote development environments required for webapp backend (Hack/HHVM) development. HHVM is not supported locally on macOS.

When to Use DevSpaces

• Required: All backend Hack development, backend tests, HHVM execution
• Optional: Frontend work (local dev is faster on M-series Macs)
• Fullstack: Local frontend (bin/fe build client on port 1989) + DevSpace backend

Setup

# Attach a branch to a DevSpace
slack remote-dev --branch <BRANCH_NAME>

# SSH into your DevSpace
slack ssh-dev --env=devNNNN

# Access via browser
# https://devNNNN.slack.com/client

Running Commands in DevSpaces

Use hd_exec MCP server (available in sandbox mode) to run commands inside the webapp container:

# Inside DevSpace container
hd_exec yarn install
hd_exec bin/hh          # Hack type checker
hd_exec hackfmt <file>  # Hack formatter
hd_exec ./tests/run_unit_in_curl.sh  # Backend tests

DevSpace Lifecycle

• DevSpaces have a 1-week lifespan (extendable once for 1 additional week)
• Multiple containers run per DevSpace: webapp, webapp_test_server, job_worker
• Code is mounted at /mnt/devNNN on the remote machine

Claude Code in DevSpaces

When using Claude Code inside a DevSpace:

• Sandbox mode is active — network restricted to slack-github.com
• Use git-gh MCP server for git/GitHub operations
• See .claude/CLAUDE-DEVSPACES.md for DevSpaces-specific guidance

Fullstack Development

Combine local frontend with remote backend:

1. Start local frontend build: bin/fe build client (port 1989)
2. Access DevSpace with local assets: https://devNNNN.slack.com/client?js_path=1
3. Frontend changes reflect immediately; backend changes require DevSpace container restart

Common Issues

• DevSpace not responding: Check #escal-developer-workspaces
• HHVM errors: Run inside the container via hd_exec, not on the host
• Git in DevSpaces: Use git-gh MCP, not direct git commands (sandbox restrictions)