Work in a Computer

Use an IDYL Computer when work needs durable files, saved versions, and retained execution history.

Create a Computer

Select its Namespace and Subnet, then choose an image:

idyl use <namespace>
idyl context edit --set-subnet <subnet>
idyl computer create <computer> --image-ref python:3.13

A Computer belongs to that Namespace and Subnet. Commands can override the saved selection with --namespace and --subnet.

Store files

idyl computer cp ./main.py <computer>:src/main.py
idyl computer files <computer>:src
idyl computer cp <computer>:src/main.py ./downloaded-main.py

Remote file paths are relative to the Computer’s saved working area. A file upload publishes a saved version; downloads read saved files without waking the Computer.

Run a command

idyl computer exec <computer> -- python /workspace/src/main.py

The Computer wakes if needed, runs the command, and saves its files after the process exits when automatic saving is enabled. The CLI streams the command’s output and reports its save outcome. Its idle timeout controls when execution is released after the last session ends. Open an interactive session or inspect retained history:

idyl computer exec -it <computer> -- /bin/sh
idyl computer ssh <computer>
idyl computer history <computer>
idyl computer history <computer> <entry-id>

Work with saved versions

idyl computer versions <computer>
idyl computer cp <computer>@v2:src/main.py ./earlier-main.py
idyl computer go-back <computer> v2
idyl computer fork <computer>@v2 <fork-name>

Use a version returned by versions. Reading a previous version preserves the Computer’s current files; go-back changes its saved working state, and fork creates another Computer from the selected version. Direct Workload commands such as idyl deploy and idyl create pod use the Namespace and remain available independently of Computers.

​Create a Computer

​Store files

​Run a command

​Work with saved versions

Create a Computer

Store files

Run a command

Work with saved versions