I'm sorry, but this is the task of proper configuration management. Yes, don't depend on local stuff that isn't configuration-managed. Don't have a workflow where you check out an old branch in a newer environment. Of course you need a way to establish the older environment in that case. I'm assuming that Devpod does a similar thing on the server side. My point is, the ability to reproduce a working setup doesn't imply a requirement of having to work remotely.
> I'm assuming that Devpod does a similar thing on the server side
That's why they use devpods. You moved entire configuration to the cloud. There is absolutely no reason why it should be run in your local environment.