Machinen is a tool that lets you run Linux virtual machines on your own computer (Apple Silicon Macs or arm64 Linux machines). The key feature is the ability to freeze a running VM and move it to another computer, where it resumes exactly where it left off—memory, open files, timers, and all. It also supports forking: creating copies of a running VM that share the same starting state but then diverge independently. The project includes a marketing website showcasing the concept with interactive animations and documentation. The runtime source code is not yet publicly available.
How It Works
You stumble upon a website that shows animated diagrams of a running program seamlessly moving between your laptop and desktop computer.
The site explains that you can freeze a running virtual machine on one computer and thaw it on another, picking up exactly where you left off.
With a simple command, you add the Machinen tools to your computer. Everything downloads automatically for your specific setup.
You write a small script that creates a tiny Linux computer with your coding assistant inside it, like packing a suitcase.
You boot up the VM and your coding assistant begins its task—writing code, running tests, building features—exactly as it would normally.
When you need to leave, you capture the entire running state—memory, open files, timers, everything—into a snapshot file.
You copy the snapshot to your desktop and thaw it. Your assistant resumes exactly where it stopped, as if the laptop was never closed.
You create multiple copies of the running VM, each inheriting the same warm state. They each try different approaches simultaneously.
Whether across machines or across copies, your coding assistant picks up exactly where it left off—no context rebuilding, no starting over.
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