Show HN: NSL – WSL for Linux
NSL is a new tool that brings Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)-like functionality to Linux hosts, allowing users to run multiple isolated Linux distributions as systemd-nspawn containers within a single lightweight VM. It provides seamless integration with the host's file system, networking, and graphical environment, while prioritizing security and ease of use.
Why it matters
This tool offers developers and power users a flexible and secure way to manage multiple Linux environments on a single machine, simplifying development workflows, testing, and software isolation without the overhead of full virtualization.
nsl gives a Linux host persistent Linux machines, as WSL does for Windows. Each machine is a whole distro with its own packages and services. It runs as a systemd-nspawn container in one small VM, starts when you use it, and works in your files.
nsl create debian --distro debian:13 # verify the signed images; the first machine is the default nsl # a login shell in the machine, in this directory nsl run make test # one command, with its exit status What a machine gives you Any distro, one command away
nsl opens a login shell in your default machine, in the directory you were in. nsl run runs one command and returns its exit status.
Your $HOME , /run/media/USER and /mnt appear at /mnt/host . Inside, you keep your username, UID and GID, and passwordless sudo .
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