How to Use the 'toolbox create' Command (with Examples)

The toolbox create command is an essential part of the Toolbox tool, which is designed to provide an environment that is containerized and isolated, yet highly integrated with the host system. Primarily used on Fedora systems, toolbox containers help developers and users manage different software and dependencies without risking the host system’s stability. The command allows for the creation of environments based on specific Linux distributions and releases or even customized images.

Use Case 1: Create a Toolbox Container for a Specific Distribution

Code:

toolbox create --distro distribution

Motivation:

This use case is valuable for users who need to work with a specific Linux distribution’s software and tools. For example, if you’re developing or testing an application designed for Ubuntu but you’re working on a Fedora system, creating a toolbox container for Ubuntu ensures compatibility without needing to alter your primary operating system.

Explanation:

• --distro distribution: The --distro flag specifies the Linux distribution you wish to use for the toolbox container. By default, Toolbox uses the same distribution as the host system, but specifying another distribution allows you to run software and environments specific to that version.

Example Output:

Created container: ubuntu-toolbox
Enter with: toolbox enter

Use Case 2: Create a Toolbox Container for a Specific Release of the Current Distribution

Code:

toolbox create --release release

Motivation:

Situations arise where you may need to utilize a specific release of your current distribution to test software, replicate bugs, or maintain version-specific compliance. This use case is particularly useful in environments where code must be consistent across different production and development stages.

Explanation:

• --release release: This flag allows you to select a particular release version of your current Linux distribution. It is helpful when your project necessitates the tools or libraries from a specific system release version.

Example Output:

Created container: fedora-toolbox-34
Enter with: toolbox enter

Use Case 3: Create a Toolbox Container with a Custom Image

Code:

toolbox create --image name

Motivation:

Developers often work with custom base images tailored for specific needs or organizational standards. This use case supports the flexibility to utilize custom images where particular software preinstalls, configurations, or libraries are necessary.

Explanation:

• --image name: Here, name refers to the custom Docker image that you want to use. It allows advanced users to pull images from their repositories or registries that meet their specific requirements.

Example Output:

Created container: custom-image-toolbox
Enter with: toolbox enter

Use Case 4: Create a Toolbox Container from a Custom Fedora Image

Code:

toolbox create --image registry.fedoraproject.org/fedora-toolbox:39

Motivation:

Leveraging official Fedora images from a trusted registry ensures that you have a secure and optimized environment. It’s ideal for users who want to run their container based on a specific Fedora version, maximizing fidelity to distribution best practices for Fedora 39.

Explanation:

• --image registry.fedoraproject.org/fedora-toolbox:39: This command uses a custom image from Fedora’s official repository to create your toolbox container. It’s especially beneficial when testing your project on an officially supported Fedora setup.

Example Output:

Created container: fedora-toolbox-39
Enter with: toolbox enter

Use Case 5: Create a Toolbox Container Using the Default Image for Fedora 39

Code:

toolbox create --distro fedora --release f39

Motivation:

This use case is tailored for developers and system administrators who prefer sticking to default images optimized for specific Fedora releases like Fedora 39. It’s particularly effective when the development workflow relies strictly on standard environments and configurations offered by the latest Fedora releases.

Explanation:

• --distro fedora: Indicates the distribution should be Fedora, ensuring that Fedora-specific tools and libraries are readily available.

• --release f39: Defines the exact release (Fedora 39 in this case) for the container, ensuring compatibility with applications or systems that rely on Fedora 39.

Example Output:

Created container: fedora-toolbox-f39
Enter with: toolbox enter

Conclusion

The toolbox create command is versatile, offering multiple ways to create isolated environments on top of different Linux distributions, releases, and custom images. This flexibility is extraordinarily beneficial for developers looking to test, validate, or develop applications in a controlled and reproducible setting on Fedora and similar operating systems. Whether you’re using a custom image or need to adhere to specific distribution requirements, the toolbox create command offers a wide array of options to meet your development needs.