Connecting to a Jetson Nano with Ubuntu 18.04 Using VS Code

Posted on Fri 28 March 2025 in nano, ubuntu, vscode

If you're trying to connect remotely to an NVIDIA Jetson Nano running Ubuntu 18.04 with Visual Studio Code (VS Code), you might run into a compatibility issue due to recent changes in VS Code's remote server requirements.

Starting from release 1.99 (March 2025), VS Code’s prebuilt remote server is only compatible with Linux distributions using glibc 2.28 or later. However, Ubuntu 18.04 ships with glibc 2.27, making it incompatible with these newer releases.

Solution: Use an Older Version of VS Code (1.98.2)

To work around this limitation, you can use VS Code 1.98.2, which is the last version compatible with Ubuntu 18.04. Here’s how to do it:

1. Download VS Code 1.98.2 (Portable Version)

Since later versions may not work, download the portable version of VS Code 1.98.2 for your platform:

  • Windows (Portable): Download here
  • Other platforms: Follow the instructions in the VS Code FAQ to find the appropriate link.

2. Extract and Run VS Code

If you downloaded the Windows portable version: - Extract the archive to a location of your choice. - Run Code.exe from the extracted folder.

For Linux/macOS: - Extract the archive. - Run code from the extracted directory.

3. Install the Remote SSH Extension

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Go to the Extensions marketplace (Ctrl+Shift+X).
  3. Search for Remote - SSH and install it.

4. Configure SSH for Your Jetson Nano

Ensure that SSH is enabled on your Jetson Nano. If SSH is not installed, run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install openssh-server

On your local machine, configure the SSH connection:

  1. Open VS Code and press Ctrl+Shift+P.
  2. Type Remote-SSH: Open SSH Configuration File and select it.
  3. Add an entry for your Jetson Nano (modify as needed):

Host jetson-nano HostName <JETSON_IP> User <YOUR_USERNAME>

  1. Save the file.

5. Connect to the Jetson Nano

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+P.
  2. Type Remote-SSH: Connect to Host... and select your Jetson Nano.
  3. If prompted, enter your SSH password or configure SSH keys for passwordless access.

Once connected, VS Code will install the remote server version 1.98.2, which is compatible with Ubuntu 18.04.

Conclusion

By using VS Code 1.98.2, you can continue remote development on a Jetson Nano running Ubuntu 18.04 despite the recent glibc compatibility changes. If upgrading your OS is not an option, this method allows you to maintain a functional remote development workflow.

nano ubuntu vscode