OpenClaw + VS Code SSH: Manage Your Google Cloud VM in VS Code

In this tutorial, we’re taking our OpenClaw setup to the next level by connecting it to VS Code via Remote SSH. While the Linux command line is powerful, using VS Code makes it much more intuitive to manage your AI agent's files, memories, and skills through a graphical interface.

We will also explore how to access the OpenClaw Dashboard, which allows you to monitor token usage and active sessions, and edit your agent's files directly in your local browser.

📝 Commands & Step-by-Step Guide
All the commands used in this video, including the GCloud CLI setup and SSH configuration, are available on the LBSocial blog:
👉https://www.lbsocial.net/post/openclaw-vscode-ssh-google-cloud

🕒 Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & Quick Demo: VS Code + OpenClaw VM
0:35 - Opening the OpenClaw GUI Dashboard
1:03 - Exploring the Dashboard (Tokens, Agents, and Skills)
2:29 - Step 1: Install VS Code & Remote SSH Extension
2:54 - Step 2: Google Cloud Project Overview
3:09 - Step 3: Install Google Cloud CLI (GCloud)
4:11 - Step 4: GCloud Auth Login
5:07 - Step 5: Specify Your GCP Project
5:47 - Step 6: SSH into the VM via GCloud CLI
6:08 - Step 7: Export SSH Configurations for VS Code
6:53 - Editing the SSH Config File (Updating your Username)
7:13 - Connecting to the VM in VS Code
8:04 - Managing OpenClaw Files (Workspace, Skills, Memories)
8:52 - Updating OpenClaw & Launching the Local Dashboard
9:59 - Reviewing Token Usage and Costs (Gemini 3.1 Pro)
11:09 - Conclusion & Workflow Summary

📺 Previous Tutorials in the OpenClaw Series
If you missed the earlier steps, make sure to watch these first to get your environment ready:

1️⃣ Build a 24/7 Personal AI Assistant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29uolWUiEvA
2️⃣ OpenClaw + GitHub: Building a Real AI Teammate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBbLs3VAayc
3️⃣ OpenClaw Skills: Guiding AI Agents for Data Analytics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLUa-j-MpgQ
4️⃣ OpenClaw + Google Workspace CLI: AI for Gmail, Docs, and Classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ssB1YXRRtk

🛠️ Key Tools Used
OpenClaw: The open-source AI agent framework.
VS Code: Remote SSH extension for file management.
Google Cloud CLI: To manage your Google Cloud instances.
Gemini: The brain behind our agent.

#OpenClaw #VSCode #GoogleCloud #AI #SSH #RemoteDevelopment #GCP #LBSocial