Demo post

Claude Code local GCP sandbox demo

The fastest safe demo is not a mock. Let Claude Code start LocalCloud, route SDKs to localhost, write one small integration check, and explain what still needs real Google Cloud validation.

Read docs Check compatibility SDK examples

Agent prompt CTAs

Start LocalCloud

Give an agent one URL and have it start the local GCP sandbox.

Fetch https://local.cloud/ai/agents.md and follow the instructions to start LocalCloud on my machine. Verify Docker, start or reuse the localcloud container, export emulator environment variables, and run one local GCP SDK/API smoke check. Do not ask for or use real GCP credentials.

Configure this repo

Have an agent wire an existing project to LocalCloud safely.

Set up this repository to use LocalCloud for local GCP development. First read https://local.cloud/ai/agents.md, then inspect this repo, identify the GCP services and SDK language, configure emulator environment variables, and run the narrowest integration test against localhost. Do not use real GCP credentials or production endpoints.

Fact

Demo target: one repo, one local service check, one production caveat.

Fact

Avoid credentials in the prompt and commands.

Fact

Link the next step to service-specific local testing pages.

Demo flow

Ask, start, route, test

Claude reads /ai/agents.md, starts LocalCloud, exports env vars, creates a tiny local resource, and proves the project SDK talks to localhost.

Why it works

The agent gets a real API shape without a real bill

LocalCloud keeps the SDK and API shape familiar while removing default cloud credentials and billing from the inner loop.

Copy-ready setup

Commands and prompts

Use these snippets as starting points, then keep the checks scoped to localhost until you intentionally validate against real Google Cloud.

Demo prompt

Claude, use LocalCloud to run a local GCP smoke test for this repository. Do not request GCP credentials. Show the LocalCloud health check, active emulator env vars, and one SDK operation against localhost.

Limitations

Use the sandbox deliberately

Permitted workflows use local endpoint values and should stop rather than fall back to real Google Cloud or real credentials. The Public Preview License permits individuals and organizations, including for-profit companies, to use LocalCloud for non-production internal development, testing, CI, evaluation, and pilots.
LocalCloud emulates bounded local development workflows. Validate application behavior against real Google Cloud before production deployment.
Before production deployment, unset LocalCloud emulator environment variables and validate behavior against real Google Cloud.

Next routes

Keep the agent on the supported path

Claude Code sandbox page — Claude-specific setup and caveats.
Compatibility matrix — Check current support boundaries before relying on a local-only test.
Service catalog — Review every LocalCloud service, endpoint, and limitation.
SDK examples — Use standard Google Cloud SDKs pointed at localhost.
Seed data — Load deterministic fixtures for repeatable agent and CI runs.