Learn more about VIX API for VMware. Our VMware Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

An Introduction to the VIX API for VMware

The VIX API, commonly referred to as “Vix,” is an API that lets users to automate and manipulate virtual machine operations on VMware Server or VMware Workstation.

It is designed to be high-level and user-friendly. Also, it is a practical tool for both script developers and application programmers.

In fact, it caters to three main user groups:

• Technically Adventurous Users:

  Typically corporations with dedicated IT personnel who build in-house tools.
• Partners:

  Software vendors who use the VIX API to integrate VMware products with their own software, or to create management tools specifically for virtual machines.
• VMware Products:

  VMware itself uses the VIX API as an abstraction layer between core virtual machine processes and associated service processes.

An Overview:

1. Compatibility and Supported Platforms
2. Version Compatibility and Limitations
3. Installing the VIX API
4. Installing on Windows and Linux
5. Upgrading from an Earlier Version
6. 64-Bit Client Support and Redistributable Code
7. Best Practices for Using the VIX API
8. Troubleshooting and Debugging VIX API Scripts

Compatibility and Supported Platforms

The VIX API is compatible with both Microsoft Windows (Windows 95 or later) and Linux (kernel 2.4.x or later recommended). It supports clients written in C, Perl, and COM. This release of the VIX API is compatible with VMware Server and VMware Workstation 6.x, supporting different versions ranging from VIX API 1.0 to 1.5.

Version Compatibility and Limitations

Version 1.x of the VIX API supports clients written to version 1.0, except for features that are present in VMware Server but not in VMware Workstation (e.g., virtual machine registration).

VIX libraries installed with VMware Workstation 6.x provide the 1.x versions of the API, while those with VMware Server 1.0 provide version 1.0. If we are using version 1.0 of the VIX API, we won’t be able to access newer functions introduced in later versions.

Installing the VIX API

Installation of the VIX API is straightforward and includes both client and server components. For VMware Server, the client can be a virtual machine, while VMware Workstation acts as both client and server.

On a VMware host, no additional VIX API components need to be installed, as client libraries are installed by default under “VMware VIX.”

To install VIX API client files on a client machine without VMware Server, such as a virtual machine, we need header files (`vix.h` and `vm_basic_types.h`) and one or more library files. We can get these via the VIX standalone installer or by copying them from a VMware Server or Workstation host.

Installing on Windows and Linux

• Windows:

  Download the installer to the Desktop and double-click to run the graphical installer. To uninstall, use the Add/Remove Programs control panel.
• Linux:

  Download the installer package, decompress and unpack it, navigate to the directory, and run the installation script as the root user. To uninstall, use the `vmware-uninstall-vix.pl` script.

Upgrading from an Earlier Version

VMware recommends using the standalone installer to upgrade older client libraries, which provides a current wrapper library allowing clients to communicate with any VIX API server version.

If we opt not to use the wrapper library, we have to make sure that our clients link to a Vix library matching the server’s version. For compatibility across multiple server versions, adjust the dynamic library linkage accordingly.

64-Bit Client Support and Redistributable Code

The VIX API offers 64-bit libraries for Linux clients, while Windows clients can compile only 32-bit libraries. As per the End User License Agreement, several files (such as `vix.dll`, `vix.lib`, and others) are designated as redistributable, helping users in building and distributing their own client applications. Sample code is also provided in the “Samples” directory for quick development.

Best Practices for Using the VIX API

1. Always validate input parameters and check for potential errors in the scripts to avoid unexpected failures.
2. Optimize performance by minimizing the number of API calls and using bulk operations when possible.
3. Secure the scripts by managing sensitive data carefully and using proper authentication methods.
4. Additionally, keep the VIX API libraries and VMware software up to date to leverage the latest features and security improvements.
5. Document the code to make maintenance easier and ensure clarity for future developers.

Troubleshooting and Debugging VIX API Scripts

1. Start by checking error logs and messages to identify any issues with script execution or API interactions.
2. Utilize verbose logging options to capture detailed information about script performance and errors.
3. Ensure that the scripts handle exceptions gracefully and provide meaningful error messages.
4. Test scripts incrementally to isolate and address issues systematically.
5. Use debugging tools and techniques to step through the code and monitor variable values.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

The VIX API is a versatile tool that offers seamless integration and automation for VMware environments. It offers robust support and flexibility for various user needs.

In brief, our Support Experts introduced us to VIX API for Vmware.