What is WebVM?

WebVM is a virtual machine (VM) that executes entirely within a web browser. It’s an innovative project that brings the power of a Linux environment straight to your browser, eliminating the need for traditional virtual machine setups. WebVM operates within a sandboxed environment, ensuring secure execution of applications without affecting the host system.

Understanding WebVM

The source repository provides a frontend for the WebVM demo. By forking the repository and following the instructions outlined in the GitHub Actions, you can build an image using the Dockerfile located at:

This image can then be hosted on GitHub Pages, as demonstrated in my demo.

demo

WebVM’s primary functionality is to stream resources to the browser, minimizing client-side resource consumption. It enables the execution of various applications that are typically restricted to virtual machines, all within a browser. Additionally, WebVM allows for the embedding of these applications through custom front-ends.

Default Image and Capabilities

The default WebVM image is Debian-mini, which may have limited capabilities. To enhance its functionality, I have opted for the Debian-large image, which has been extended to a 2GB disk capacity. This provides a more robust environment with additional tools and packages.

Usage and Benefits

WebVM offers a range of applications and capabilities:

  1. Custom Image Creation: Create custom images tailored to your specific requirements, allowing for a personalized virtual environment.

  2. Web-Based Linux Terminal: Access a web-based Linux terminal to execute Linux commands directly within the browser. This includes:

    • SSH/SCP File Transfers: Securely transfer files using SSH and SCP protocols.
    • HTTP Server Initiation: Start an HTTP server using python3 -m http.server.

  3. Sandboxed Security: Operates within a sandbox environment, ensuring secure execution of applications without affecting the host system.

  4. Serverless Architecture: Embraces a serverless architecture by executing entirely on the client side. Running a Linux server within a browser presents a unique and innovative approach to virtualization.

Alternative Options

Yes, there are alternative options. JSLinux is a preferred and faster option. However, it does not allow modifications to the image, which can be a limitation if you require a customized environment.

Additional Tips

  • Internet Connectivity via Tailscale:

    WebVM can connect to the internet via Tailscale. It utilizes the first available node as an exit node. If you execute:

    curl https://ifconfig.me

    You will obtain your current node’s IP address.

  • DNS Functionality:

    The DNS functionality of Tailscale is currently experiencing issues. It’s recommended to use IP addresses to connect to other nodes within your Tailscale network instead of domain names.

  • Default Credentials:

    You can obtain the default user:password and root:password credentials by checking the Dockerfile:

Conclusion

WebVM is a powerful tool that brings the versatility of a Linux environment to your browser. Whether you’re looking to experiment with Linux commands, develop applications, or require a portable and sandboxed environment, WebVM offers a serverless and secure solution. Its ability to create custom images and operate entirely on the client side sets it apart from other web-based virtual machines.

Feel free to explore WebVM and customize it to suit your needs. Happy coding!