Doom Coding: Remote Development on the Go with Tailscale, Termius, and Claude

Doom Coding is a pragmatic solution for developers who need to stay productive outside the confines of a fixed workstation. By leveraging a continuously‑online remote computer, a Tailscale VPN, Termius for SSH access, and Claude’s AI-powered code editing, you can write, debug, and deploy code from your smartphone whenever you have an Internet connection. ## What You’ll Need - A server‑class machine that remains powered on 24/7 and has a reliable Internet connection. - A smartphone with the Tailscale and Termius apps installed. - A Claude Pro plan to enable AI assistance on the web. ## Setup Overview 1. **Configure the Remote Machine** – Install Termius, enable SSH, and ensure your user has a password‑based or key‑based login. 2. **Set Up Tailscale** – Sign in with the same account on both your phone and computer. Your machine will receive a MagicDNS address such as `my-computer.tailnet-name.ts.net`. 3. **Create a Host in Termius** – Add a new connection: - *Label*: A friendly name. - *Hostname*: The MagicDNS address. - *Port*: 22. - *Username/Password*: Credentials for the remote machine. 4. **Connect via Termius** – Once the Tailscale VPN is active on your phone, initiate the SSH session. Your terminal will be a direct window into the remote environment. ## Using Claude for Code Assistance Navigate to the Claude web interface on your phone and start a new session. With Claude’s code completion and debugging prompts, you can write functions, refactor code, and troubleshoot errors—all from the comfort of your mobile device. ## Common Troubleshooting Steps - **VPN Connectivity** – Ensure the Tailscale VPN is toggled on in both the app and system settings; a missing green circle indicates a connection issue. - **Remote Machine State** – Verify the server is powered on and unlocked; a locked screen can block SSH access. - **SSH Permission** – Double‑check that the correct username and password (or key) are used in Termius. ## Best Practices for Long‑Running Sessions - **Session Logging** – At the end of a session, ask Claude to update a `CLAUDE.md` file on the remote machine with notes on what was completed. - **Localhost Access** – Replace `localhost:PORT` with the MagicDNS address to expose web applications to your phone’s browser (e.g., `http://my-computer.tailnet-name.ts.net:3005`). - **Database Inspection** – Install an iOS PostgreSQL client to query your databases directly from the phone. - **Bookmarking Resources** – Keep frequently used URLs bookmarked on your desktop browser; the Chrome app on iOS syncs these for easy access. The charm of Doom Coding lies in its minimalism: a few apps, a secure VPN, and AI assistance. Whether you’re drafting a prototype in the airport lounge, tweaking a feature on a train, or simply refreshing a web service from the club, the remote machine remains your solid coding base. Contribute your own workflows, and let the community refine the process—happy coding wherever you go!