Get started
Install grain, open a first sandbox, or run custom bootstrap until ready.
Short paths into grain:
| Guide | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Quick start | Install → config → shell in a few minutes |
| Install | Platforms, install options, QEMU |
| First sandbox | Interactive demo + guided real create |
| Bootstrap until ready | Custom apt/scripts before create reports ready |
| Sandbox recipes | Portable YAML: create + bootstrap steps |
| Core concepts | Daemon, images, agent, ephemeral vs persistent |
- Bootstrap until ready (custom setup) — Run packages or a setup script before grain says the sandbox is ready — with status you can watch.
- Contributing — How to build, test, and send changes to grain — full guide on GitHub.
- Core concepts (daemon, images, agent) — A short glossary of daemon, images, sandboxes, the guest agent, and how they fit together.
- First sandbox (demo + real shell) — Start the grain daemon, pull a base image, create a VM, and open a shell — with an interactive demo.
- Install grain (CLI + QEMU) — Install the grain CLI on macOS or Linux, verify dependencies, and prepare for your first VM.
- Quick start (install → shell) — Install grain and QEMU, optional starter config, create a microVM, open a shell, tear down.
- Sandbox recipes (YAML create + bootstrap) — Portable recipe files for create options and bootstrap steps that stamp readiness before grain says ready.