Getting Started
PropelCode is a full development environment that runs entirely in the cloud. Your code lives in an isolated Linux container; you access it through a three-panel interface on any device. No install required.
1. Sign Up
Create an account at propelcode.app/auth. Every new account receives $5 in free credits so you can explore the platform without entering payment details.
Credits never expire. You only spend them while a container is actively running.
2. Connect GitHub
From your dashboard, tap Connect GitHub. PropelCode requests the minimum OAuth scopes needed to clone your repositories and push changes. You can revoke access at any time from your GitHub settings.
3. Clone a Repo or Pick a Template
Once GitHub is connected, you can:
- Clone an existing repository — search your repos or paste any public URL.
- Start from a template — choose from React, Next.js, Express, Python Flask, or a blank Linux environment.
PropelCode spins up a container, installs dependencies, and drops you into the editor in seconds.
4. The Three-Panel IDE
The interface is divided into three swipeable panels optimised for small screens:
- File Explorer — browse your project tree, create and rename files, and drag to reorder. Long-press a file for context actions.
- Monaco Editor — the same editor engine that powers VS Code. Syntax highlighting, autocomplete, bracket matching, and multi-cursor support all work on mobile.
- AI Chat — converse with an AI agent that has full read/write access to your project. Ask it to explain code, fix bugs, write tests, or scaffold entire features.
Swipe left and right to move between panels, or use the panel tabs at the bottom of the screen.
Core Concepts
Containers
Every PropelCode project runs in its own isolated Linux container. Each container is a lightweight virtual machine with its own filesystem, package manager, and process space. Nothing you install or run affects other users or other projects.
Containers boot in under three seconds. When you stop working, the container hibernates and resumes exactly where you left off the next time you open your project.
Three Panels
The three-panel layout is the core of the PropelCode experience:
- Panel 1 — File Explorer: a full project tree with file search. Supports creating, renaming, deleting, and moving files and folders.
- Panel 2 — Code Editor: a production-grade editor (the same engine used in VS Code) with syntax support for dozens of languages. Features include IntelliSense, find-and-replace, minimap, and word wrap.
- Panel 3 — AI Chat: a conversational interface to an AI agent that operates directly on your codebase. It reads files, writes changes, runs commands, and iterates until the task is complete.
AI Agent
The AI agent is more than a chatbot. It has the ability to:
- Read any file in your project to understand context.
- Write changes to existing files or create new ones.
- Run terminal commands — install packages, run tests, start servers.
- Fix its own mistakes — if a command fails or a test breaks, the agent reads the error output and tries again autonomously.
You stay in control. Every change the agent makes appears as a diff you can accept, reject, or edit before saving.
Terminal
PropelCode includes a real terminal connected to your container. It behaves exactly like a local terminal: run scripts, install packages, start dev servers, tail logs, or SSH into remote machines.
Terminal output streams in real time. You can have multiple terminal sessions open simultaneously.
Git Integration
A dedicated Git panel gives you visual control over your repository without memorising commands:
- View changed files with inline diffs
- Stage, unstage, and discard changes
- Commit with a message
- Push to and pull from remote branches
- Switch, create, and delete branches
- View commit history
For advanced operations, use the terminal — it has full git access.
Credits
PropelCode uses a pay-as-you-go credit system. Credits are consumed while your container is running. When you stop your container, billing stops.
- New accounts receive $5 in free credits.
- Top up any amount starting from $5 via the billing page.
- No subscriptions — you only pay for what you use.
- Credits never expire.
View your balance and usage history on the dashboard.
Common Workflows
Fix a Bug from Your Phone
Open the project, find the file in the explorer, make the fix in the editor, run the tests in the terminal, then commit and push from the Git panel — all without a laptop.
Start a New Project
Pick a template from the dashboard, let the container install dependencies, then start coding immediately. The AI agent can scaffold boilerplate if you describe what you want to build.
Review AI Changes
After the agent makes changes, review each diff in the editor. Accept individual hunks, edit them, or ask the agent to revise. Nothing is saved until you approve.
Manage Branches
Create a feature branch from the Git panel, make your changes, then switch back to main. The panel shows which branch you are on and how many commits ahead or behind you are.
Keyboard Shortcuts
When using PropelCode from a tablet with a keyboard or the web IDE on desktop, the following shortcuts are available:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Cmd + S | Save current file |
| Cmd + P | Quick open — search files by name |
| Cmd + Shift + P | Command palette |
| Cmd + F | Find in file |
| Cmd + Shift + F | Find across project |
| Cmd + Z | Undo |
| Cmd + Shift + Z | Redo |
| Cmd + / | Toggle line comment |
| Cmd + D | Select next occurrence |
| Cmd + ` | Toggle terminal |
| Cmd + 1 / 2 / 3 | Switch to panel 1 / 2 / 3 |
On Windows and Linux, replace Cmd with Ctrl.