Abstract: A method includes identifying data objects for a file system to be installed on a computer system. Each of the data objects is to be stored in the file system using a respective path. The method also includes creating an intermediate file system structure that includes elements representing the data objects to be stored in the file system, each of the elements being placed in the intermediate file system structure at the respective path. Creating the intermediate file system structure may include identifying a subset of the data objects that each includes a symbolic link in a portion of the respective path, and for each data object in the subset, replacing the symbolic link in the portion of the respective path with a target path associated with the symbolic link. The method also includes installing the file system on the computer system using the intermediate file system structure.

Abstract: Component based dynamic guest instantiation is disclosed. For example, a memory stores a content store, and a virtualization engine executes on one or more processors to receive a request to launch an application that is configured to execute in a guest. A file system of the guest is constructed based on metadata associated with the application. A plurality of components of the application, including a first component defined in the metadata, are loaded to the file system from the content store. The first application is launched in the guest.

Abstract: A method includes identifying data objects for a file system to be installed on a computer system. Each of the data objects is to be stored in the file system using a respective path. The method also includes creating an intermediate file system structure that includes elements representing the data objects to be stored in the file system, each of the elements being placed in the intermediate file system structure at the respective path. Creating the intermediate file system structure may include identifying a subset of the data objects that each includes a symbolic link in a portion of the respective path, and for each data object in the subset, replacing the symbolic link in the portion of the respective path with a target path associated with the symbolic link. The method also includes installing the file system on the computer system using the intermediate file system structure.

Abstract: Component based dynamic guest instantiation is disclosed. For example, a memory stores a content store, and a virtualization engine executes on one or more processors to receive a request to launch an application that is configured to execute in a guest. A file system of the guest is constructed based on metadata associated with the application. A plurality of components of the application, including a first component defined in the metadata, are loaded to the file system from the content store. The first application is launched in the guest.