Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

If you are curious Linux users but not terminal lovers, probably Distrobox has already intrigued you: allows you to run different containerized deployments directly on your main system. But between commands, options and configurations, it can get complicated. Here comes into play BoxBuddy, a small GUI that tries to simplify everything without distorting the power of Distrobox.

BoxBuddy is not a new virtualization tool, nor a secure sandbox for risky testing. It is an interface that allows you to create, start, stop and remove your “boxes” with a couple of clicks, as well as opening terminals directly inside the containers. For those who work on multiple distributions or want to experiment with software not available in their own distro, represents a convenient and quick solution.

Pros and cons

As always, there is no perfect tool, so here is a summary of the main strengths and limitations to keep in mind:

• Pro: simplicity of use, fast container management, smooth integration with the host system, great for testing and experimenting without dirtying the main system.
• Counter: it is not a safe sandbox, some advanced features are not perfect, requires Distrobox and a backend already installed (The subject of Docker), maintenance and development still evolving.

The main convenience of BoxBuddy lies in reducing the distance between the graphic world and the terminal: a couple of clicks are enough to have a container ready, updated and accessible. This makes it ideal for those who want to try applications from other distributions, separate work environments or simply keep the host system clean.

Installation in brief

Installing BoxBuddy is pretty simple, but it requires some preliminary steps. First of all, you must have Distrobox installed on your system, along with a backend like Subdued the Docker. Without these components, BoxBuddy will not work.

The most convenient way is via Flatpak. On compatible systems, just add the Flathub repository (if you don't already have it) and install BoxBuddy with a command like:

flatpak install flathub io.github.dvlv.boxbuddyrs
  

Once installed, BoxBuddy can be launched from the applications menu. If installed via Flatpak, remember that file access permissions may be limited: to allow the GUI to interact with your home, you may have to use tools like Flatseal to configure the correct permissions.

After these steps, create, starting and managing your boxes becomes a matter of just a few clicks, without having to remember all the Distrobox CLI commands.

Ultimately, BoxBuddy is a smart GUI that simplifies Distrobox without betraying its flexibility. It does not replace the CLI for those who like absolute control, but for those who want convenience and speed, it is definitely an excellent choice.

However, it's not the right tool if you're looking for total isolation, maximum security or advanced container management: in those cases it is better to move towards manually configured virtual machines or traditional containers.

Ultimately, BoxBuddy is a smart GUI that simplifies Distrobox without betraying its flexibility. It does not replace the CLI for those who like absolute control, but for those who want convenience and speed, it is definitely an excellent choice.