How to Use IntelliJ IDEA’s Code With Me for Collaborative Coding

In this tutorial, the author, a senior architect, introduces the Code With Me plugin for IntelliJ IDEA, a powerful tool that enables real‑time collaborative coding.

Prerequisites

Host: IntelliJ IDEA 2020.2.1 or newer with the Code With Me plugin installed.

Visitor: No need to install IDEA; just download the lightweight Code With Me client (≈600 KB).

What is Code With Me?

Code With Me allows multiple developers to work together on the same project, sharing files, terminals, and run configurations.

Steps

1. Host creates an invitation link

Install and enable the plugin, click the Code With Me icon on the main toolbar, or use Tools → Code With Me . Then click “Enable Access and Copy Invitation Link”.

Configure the visitor’s access level (Read‑only, Edit files, Full access, or Custom) and click “Enable Access”.

When the status shows “Created”, the link is ready.

2. Visitor joins via the link

The visitor clicks the link, downloads the Code With Me client, and a confirmation dialog appears on the host side.

After the host accepts, the visitor can see a notification that they have joined.

Depending on the granted permissions, the visitor can view or edit files, use the terminal, or control the session. The host can force all participants to follow their actions or end the session with “Turn Access Off and Disconnect All”.

At the end of the article, the author offers a giveaway of interview questions and encourages readers to scan a QR code to join a community group.