The recent release of Tart version 2.28.2 marks a significant advancement in the toolset designed for creating, managing, and operating virtual machines (VMs) on Apple Silicon systems, specifically for macOS and Linux environments. Tart harnesses Apple's proprietary Virtualization.Framework, which was developed in conjunction with the innovative M1 chip, providing users with seamless integration between hardware and software. This results in high-performance VMs without the typical compromises often associated with virtualization.
One of Tart's standout features is its compatibility with OCI (Open Container Initiative)-compatible container registries, allowing users to store and manage VM images as easily as Docker containers. This capability enhances the flexibility of virtual machine management and simplifies workflows for developers and engineers.
Additionally, Tart integrates smoothly with various continuous integration (CI) systems, including a specialized on-demand GitHub Actions Runners service, making it an excellent fit for modern development practices. The toolkit encompasses Orchard Orchestration, which provides robust tools for managing and orchestrating multiple Tart virtual machines across clusters of Apple Silicon hosts. The Orchard Cluster features a straightforward REST API that enables control over thousands of VMs, while the Orchard Command-Line Interface (CLI) offers remote access to these machines as if they were local.
Tart has proven valuable across diverse applications, from powering continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to creating reproducible local development environments. It also facilitates the testing of device management systems without the need for actual physical devices, making it an indispensable tool for CI engineers and developers seeking automation solutions.
One of Tart's standout features is its compatibility with OCI (Open Container Initiative)-compatible container registries, allowing users to store and manage VM images as easily as Docker containers. This capability enhances the flexibility of virtual machine management and simplifies workflows for developers and engineers.
Additionally, Tart integrates smoothly with various continuous integration (CI) systems, including a specialized on-demand GitHub Actions Runners service, making it an excellent fit for modern development practices. The toolkit encompasses Orchard Orchestration, which provides robust tools for managing and orchestrating multiple Tart virtual machines across clusters of Apple Silicon hosts. The Orchard Cluster features a straightforward REST API that enables control over thousands of VMs, while the Orchard Command-Line Interface (CLI) offers remote access to these machines as if they were local.
Tart has proven valuable across diverse applications, from powering continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to creating reproducible local development environments. It also facilitates the testing of device management systems without the need for actual physical devices, making it an indispensable tool for CI engineers and developers seeking automation solutions.
Extended Features and Future Potential
Looking ahead, Tart's evolving capabilities could include enhanced user interfaces for easier management of virtual machines, more extensive support for different operating systems, and improved integration with cloud-based CI/CD platforms. Furthermore, as the Apple Silicon architecture continues to evolve, Tart may incorporate advanced features that leverage new hardware enhancements, ensuring that users can continually benefit from cutting-edge performance and functionality. The commitment to automation and user-friendly operations suggests that Tart will remain a vital tool in the growing landscape of virtualized environments on Apple hardwareTart 2.28.2 released
Tart is an advanced toolset designed for creating, operating, and maintaining virtual machines running macOS and Linux on Apple Silicon-based systems.
