---
title: "Fly Machines"
layout: docs
nav: machines
---
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<img src="/static/images/fly-machines.png" alt="Illustration by Annie Ruygt of a server with legs and arms, walking with a red bird hand-in-hand" class="max-w-lg">
</figure>
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**:](/docs/machines/overview/) Learn whether you need low-level Machine control. Find out more about the lifecycle of Fly Machines and about scaling and placement.
- [**Machines API:**](/docs/machines/api/) A simple and fast REST API for full control over our fast-launching Machines.
- **[Run a New Machine](/docs/machines/flyctl/fly-machine-run/) or [Update a Machine](/docs/machines/flyctl/fly-machine-update/) 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](/docs/reference/fly-launch/) if you prefer easy app-wide configuration and containerized deployment for your app.
Fly Machines
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: Learn whether you need low-level Machine control. Find out more about the lifecycle of Fly Machines and about scaling and placement.
Machines API: A simple and fast REST API for full control over our fast-launching Machines.
Run a New Machine or Update a Machine 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 if you prefer easy app-wide configuration and containerized deployment for your app.
