vfox
What it is
vfox is a free, open-source version manager for installing and switching between development runtimes and SDKs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It can manage versions globally, for a session, or for an individual project, and switch automatically when a user enters a project directory. Project selections can be recorded in `.vfox.toml` and shared with a team. A plugin system adds support for tools and runtime environments, with a public registry that accepts community contributions. Documented plugins include support for Bun, Clang, CMake, Crystal, Dart, Deno, and .NET. vfox supports PowerShell, Git Bash, Bash, ZSH, Fish, CMD, Clink, Cmder, and Nushell, though CMD is limited to global scope and is not recommended. Plugins that support legacy configuration can read files such as `.nvmrc`; this is enabled by default. For Docker, CI/CD, and other non-interactive shells, the project recommends `vfox exec`. The project is licensed under Apache 2.0. Its configuration guide currently lists HTTP(S) as its supported proxy protocols.
For and against
For
- Manages project, session, and global versions.
- Automatically switches versions when entering a project.
- Shared `.vfox.toml` configuration supports team consistency.
- Community plugin registry adds runtime and tool support.
- Available on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Against
- CMD supports only global scope and is not recommended.
- Proxy support is limited to HTTP(S).
The verdict
vfox offers multiple version scopes, automatic project switching, and plugin-based support across three desktop operating systems. Note the CMD limitation and HTTP(S)-only proxy support when checking fit.
Who it suits
vfox suits developers switching among projects that need different runtime or SDK versions. Its shared project configuration and command execution options may also suit teams and CI/CD workflows.
Plans and prices
vfox
Apache 2.0 licensed
Read 4 Oct 2026 · vfox.dev
On the record
- Audience
- The introduction recommends vfox for people switching between projects that require different runtime environments or versions.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Automatic switching
- It can automatically switch to the appropriate version when entering a project directory.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- CI and containers
- For Docker, CI/CD, and other non-interactive shells, the FAQ recommends `vfox exec` because shell activation hooks are intended for interactive shells.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- CI and scripts
- The vfox exec command runs commands in a managed SDK environment and is recommended for Docker, CI/CD, and other non-interactive shells.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- It supports existing version-file formats including .node-version, .nvmrc, and .sdkmanrc.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Configuration
- It saves tool version information in a .vfox.toml file that can be shared across projects and teams.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- IDE integration
- The documentation gives an example of using vfox exec in a VS Code task to run a project with a selected SDK version.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The quick start documents Windows installation through Scoop, winget, or a setup installer, and Unix-like installation through Homebrew, package repositories, or an install script.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The documentation lists community plugins for tools including Bun, Clang, CMake, Crystal, Dart, Deno, and .NET.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Legacy configuration
- Plugins with support can read legacy version files such as `.nvmrc`, and this capability is enabled by default.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The site states that vfox is released under the Apache 2.0 License.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- License and maintainer
- The site says vfox is released under the Apache 2.0 License and identifies Han Li in its copyright notice.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Notable limit
- The configuration guide says vfox currently supports only HTTP(S) proxy protocols.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Plugin registry
- The site describes its listed plugins as community plugins from the registry.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- Plugins let vfox manage different tools, and users can add plugins from its official repository or a custom local or remote source.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- vfox is a cross-platform version manager for installing and switching between development runtimes and SDKs.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The multi-user guide recommends group permissions for a shared SDK directory and warns that broad 777 permissions expose it to unauthorized users.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security guidance
- For shared SDK storage on Linux and macOS, the guide recommends group permissions and warns that world-writable permissions can let users modify or delete others’ SDK files.vfox.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
