Multipass

Multipass is a fantastic tool for Mac users who need to work with Linux. If you're a software developer or sysadmin, you probably know that testing different Linux distros can be pretty important. But let's be honest, setting up a full OS can take forever! That's where Multipass comes in. It helps you whip up an Ubuntu virtual machine (VM) in just seconds. This means you can test your code quickly and easily delete the instance when you're done—all it takes is a simple command.

Quick Setup for Ubuntu VMs

On macOS, Multipass uses hyperkit by default to run your VMs. But if you're more comfortable with VirtualBox, no worries! You can switch to that by running a quick command in the Terminal after installing Multipass.

Installing Different Ubuntu Versions

If you just want to launch an instance without changing anything, it'll automatically install the latest Long Term Support (LTS) version of Ubuntu. However, if you need other versions for specific projects, you can set those up too! Managing all your instances is super easy from either the Terminal or the menu bar, though keep in mind that most functions are best accessed through the command line.

Working Directly from Terminal

You have the option to run commands directly in any of your Ubuntu instances straight from Terminal. But if you're feeling adventurous, you can also open a shell inside the VM and dive right into working with the Ubuntu command-line interface!

If you're ready to make your life easier with Multipass, give it a try today!