multipass

Multipass is a command line tool for managing lightweight virtual machines (VMs) on various operating systems. It allows users to easily create, manage, and launch VMs from the command line.

With Multipass, users can instantiate multiple VMs, each running a different operating system, without the need for complex setup or configuration. The tool provides a simple interface to create, start, stop, delete, and manage VMs, making it convenient for developers and testers working in isolated environments.

Multipass leverages the underlying virtualization technology of the host operating system, such as Hyper-V on Windows, HyperKit on macOS, and KVM on Linux. This enables it to achieve efficient performance and resource utilization for running VMs.

The tool provides a range of pre-built images, including popular Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS, allowing users to quickly create VMs with their desired OS. It also offers cloud-init support for customizing the initial VM setup, including provisioning packages, configuring network settings, and launching scripts.

Multipass includes features for managing VM resources, such as CPU cores, memory allocation, and disk space, allowing users to tailor the environment to their specific needs. It also offers networking capabilities, enabling users to connect to VMs and access them via SSH.

With its cross-platform compatibility, Multipass allows developers and system administrators to easily provision and manage VMs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling them to separate their development or testing environments and enhance their productivity.