Workspaces ADR 014: Default container image and configuration for Workspaces

Context

Users are required to create a devfile in their project to use Workspaces. This hinder adoption, usage and time-to-first-workspace by making a high barrier to entry. We need to provide a way for users to create a workspace from a project without any devfile.

Decision

We decided to allow user to create a workspace from a default devfile. This default devfile will have a container image which will allow users to try out workspaces without having a high barrier to entry.

Consequences

Not providing a default devfile would mean we continue with a high barrier to entry to try out workspaces. This affects adoption and usage.

Alternatives

We considered providing a list of default devfiles and/or a registry of devfiles for a user to choose from when creating a workspace. While this might be desired in the long term, this required more investment than what we wanted to invest at this point.