# VM CLI

Use the Freestyle CLI for quick VM operations and debugging.

The Freestyle CLI is useful for one-off operations while developing or debugging.

## Prerequisites

Set your API key:

```
export FREESTYLE_API_KEY="your-api-key"
```

Run commands through `npx`:

```
npx freestyle --help
```

## List VMs

```
npx freestyle vm list
```

Use JSON output when scripting:

```
npx freestyle vm list --json
```

## Create And Exec

```
npx freestyle vm create --exec 'uname -a'
```

Delete the VM after the command completes:

```
npx freestyle vm create --exec 'npm test' --delete
```

## SSH

```
npx freestyle vm create --ssh
```

For a temporary debug session:

```
npx freestyle vm create --ssh --delete
```

To create a VM from a snapshot and connect over SSH:

```
npx freestyle vm create --snapshot <snapshot-id> --ssh
```

## Operate On An Existing VM

```
npx freestyle vm exec <vm-id> 'pwd'
npx freestyle vm delete <vm-id>
```

Use the SDK for long-lived application workflows and the CLI for operational tasks.