Also when you C-x C-f /ssh:x@y.com:/a/directory, it opens in dired and all the dired operations happen on the remote computer, including visiting files w/ RET.

Also when you C-x C-f /ssh:x@y.com:/a/directory, it opens in dired and all the dired operations happen on the remote computer, including visiting files w/ RET. Also, from within that dired buffer, typing M-x shell RET starts a remote shell session. Dired w/ dired-hacks package is my main tool for interacting w/ projects. Also, IIRC, VC mode works nicely w/ tramp too, when editing remote files.