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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.labex.io/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

Many labs need a Linux environment. The app attaches a virtual machine (VM) to the current lab so you can run commands in a real terminal. The VM is a side tool: reading steps and chatting with Labby stays in the main learning layout. The terminal is there when the lab expects hands-on work. For background on LabEx VMs in the browser, see Virtual Machine. This page stays focused on app controls. The iPhone sections below use iPhone screenshots. The Mac section includes a macOS screenshot of the learning workspace with the embedded terminal and assistant.

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When the VM starts

  • Use the VM entry from the learning UI when you need the terminal.
  • On the first step, the primary Continue button may also start the VM if the lab still needs an environment and you do not already have a usable session for this lab.
If the lab does not allow starting a VM on your current plan, the app opens pricing instead of starting hardware.

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iPhone: VM sheet

On iPhone, the VM opens as a sheet you drag between medium and large heights.
  • Idle
    You see a short explanation and Start VM.
LabEx on iPhone: VM sheet before start, with the desktop preview
  • Running
    You get quick actions (for example paste and clear terminal) and a settings area for interfaces, stop, back to terminal, and exposed ports.
While the environment is preparing, the sheet shows setup progress and remaining session time. LabEx on iPhone: VM sheet showing setup progress The more menu reaches Interfaces (switch tty sessions) and Stop VM while the machine is running. LabEx on iPhone: VM sheet menu with Interfaces and Stop VM Clear terminal runs the clear command in the session; it does not erase your device clipboard.

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Mac: workspace and sidebar

On Mac, the terminal lives in the learning workspace, not as the only full-screen sheet. When the VM is running, Learning in the sidebar lists terminals and exposed ports in one flat list. Use the + menu next to Learning to add a terminal or add an exposed port (you type the port number in a small form). Select a row to switch what the embedded browser shows. Return to terminal jumps back to your tty session. LabEx on macOS: embedded terminal in the workspace with assistant and verification panel

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Multiple terminals and ports

Labs can use more than one terminal. The app assigns reserved high ports for web terminals and can forward extra ports you choose.
  • You can add another terminal until you reach the limit.
  • You can close a terminal you no longer need, except the last one, which must stay open.
Only one terminal web view is shown at a time; switching rows swaps the active URL.

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Session time and extend (Pro)

VMs expire after a scheduled time. The app shows remaining time and may prompt you when time is low.
  • LabEx Pro users may see an option to extend the session when the app enters a short final window before expiry.
  • Free users see guidance that points to pricing instead.
After you extend or the session ends, trust the on-screen timer and any alerts the app shows.

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Stop and conflicts

Stop VM ends the remote session and clears local terminal state. If a VM is already running for another lab, starting a new one can conflict. The app explains the situation and lets you keep the old lab or replace it with the new one. If you replace, the old VM is removed first. If you hit a temporary VM quota limit, the app opens pricing so you can review Pro options.

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Paste and shortcuts

Toolbar actions can paste into the terminal and send common keys. Some paste helpers treat paths differently (for example, they may send Enter so a command runs). Plain paste from the toolbar does not auto-send Enter.

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If something looks wrong

  • Switching labs clears old terminal URLs so you never stay attached to the wrong lab by mistake.
  • Stopping, errors, or expiry reset the VM UI to an idle state until you start again.