Description: VBoxManage is the command-line interface for controlling VirtualBox, an open-source virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. This tool provides full access to VirtualBox’s functionalities, enabling users to manage virtual machines, networks, disks, and configurations efficiently and automatically. With VBoxManage, users can create, modify, and delete virtual machines, as well as start and stop instances of these. Additionally, it allows for the configuration of advanced parameters, such as hardware resource allocation, snapshot management, and virtual network configuration. Its use is particularly valuable in development and testing environments, where automation and management of multiple environments are crucial. The ability to execute commands from the command line also facilitates integration with scripts and automation tools, enhancing efficiency in managing virtualized environments.
History: VBoxManage was introduced with the first version of VirtualBox in 2007, developed by Innotek GmbH. Subsequently, Oracle acquired Innotek in 2008 and continued the development of VirtualBox, enhancing the command-line tool with each new version. Over the years, VBoxManage has evolved to include a wide range of functionalities, becoming an essential tool for system administrators and developers who require detailed control over virtual environments.
Uses: VBoxManage is primarily used for managing virtual machines in development and testing environments. It allows users to automate repetitive tasks such as creating and configuring virtual machines, managing snapshots, and setting up virtual networks. It is also useful for integration into automation scripts and CI/CD environments, where rapid creation and destruction of test environments is required.
Examples: A practical example of using VBoxManage is creating a new virtual machine with the following command: ‘VBoxManage createvm –name MyVM –register’. Another example is taking a snapshot of a running virtual machine using: ‘VBoxManage snapshot MyVM take MySnapshot’.
