Virtual Machine

A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a computer system that provides the functionality of a physical computer. It is an isolated, self-contained operating environment that behaves as if it were a separate computer, hence it is often referred to as a "guest" in the context of virtualization. VMs run on top of a hypervisor, which is a platform that enables multiple virtual machines to operate on a single physical host machine.

The key characteristics of a virtual machine include:

Virtual machines are widely used in many IT environments, including software development, server consolidation, disaster recovery, and more. They offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency, cost reduction, and flexibility, enabling businesses to better manage their IT resources and scale their operations dynamically.