> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fly.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Fly Machines

> Start here for Fly Machines, fast-launching VMs on Fly.io. Find the Machines introduction, the REST API, and flyctl commands for running and updating Machines.

![Illustration by Annie Ruygt of a server with legs and arms, walking with a red bird hand-in-hand](https://mintcdn.com/fly-io/izaS1l2UMuz6sm1H/images/fly-machines.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=izaS1l2UMuz6sm1H\&q=85\&s=a16299a4e1e13526a97ec4ec4afe6673)

Fly Machines are fast-launching VMs; they can be started and stopped at subsecond speeds. We give you control of your Machine count and each Machine's lifecycle, resources, and region placement with a simple REST API or flyctl commands.

* [**Introduction to Fly Machines**:](https://docs.fly.io/machines/overview.md) Learn whether you need low-level Machine control. Find out more about the lifecycle of Fly Machines and about scaling and placement.

* [**Machines API:**](https://docs.fly.io/machines/api) A simple and fast REST API for full control over our fast-launching Machines.

* **[Run a New Machine](https://docs.fly.io/machines/flyctl/fly-machine-run.md) or [Update a Machine](https://docs.fly.io/machines/flyctl/fly-machine-update.md) with flyctl:** Configure, build, and start new Machines with a single command or update some or all of a Machine's configuration.

On the other hand, try [Fly Launch](https://docs.fly.io/reference/fly-launch.md) if you prefer easy app-wide configuration and containerized deployment for your app.