# I built a reproducible AI dev VM so engineers can skip setup hell

> Source: <https://github.com/niemenghui/stAI-dev-machine>
> Published: 2026-10-01 02:03:33+00:00

**stAI** is a fully‑engineered Ubuntu VM (Virtual Machine) designed for full‑stack developers, AI builders, and DevOps learners who want a clean, modern, production‑ready environment from the moment they boot it up. After months of engineering, testing, breaking, fixing, and refining, I’m finally releasing something I wish I had years ago — stAI, a fully‑loaded Ubuntu development VM built for full‑stack engineers, AI builders, and DevOps learners who want to skip the painful setup and get straight to building.

- **llama.cpp** for local LLM experimentation
- **Weaviate** vector database for RAG + embeddings. Swarm replicas stability tested: no crash loops. HTTP layer: /v1/schema, /v1/nodes, and GraphQL respond correctly. Raft/cluster layer: /v1/nodes reports healthy node. Persistence: created class and inserted object successfully. Query engine: GraphQL returned inserted object.
- Pre‑configured environment for AI tools, prototypes, modern workflows, optimal future‑proof and production‑ready.

- Node.js
- Express.js backend the “brain” of the system, Express server the orchestrator
- Next.js
- React and React Native (ready for connect to Android SDK) Cross‑platform
- TailwindCSS
- HeroUI
- Storybook for testing, and documenting frontend UI components libraries
- MongoDB, and MySQL (fully configured)
- VS Code with curated extensions
- Unit testing environment ready
- Postman installed
- All Dockerfiles included and tested

- MicroK8s automation scripts
- Docker Swarm mode
- Cluster creation & teardown scripts
- Reproducible, battle‑tested workflows

- Cross-platform, compiled language Go to create high‑performance apps, such as: Docker, Kubernetes, Grafana.
- One of the best GUI toolkits for Go (Golang), Fyne to create cross‑platform applications on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PLC, Embedded / IoT Controller and Ground Control Station (GCS) for drone. Desktop apps can be used where web apps cannot perform a task reliably.
- Test types are set up and ready to run: Unit tests, Fuzz tests, Benchmark tests.

- Ubuntu VM running on **VMware**
- Version **3.0.3**
- VM image file (over 54 GB), can be downloaded
- Boot → Build → Deploy → Run AI models
- Zero setup. Zero dependency hell.

- Full‑stack developers
- AI learners, AI builders
- DevOps engineers
- Students, colleges and schools
- Recently laid‑off engineers reskilling for US/Canada markets
- Software company, small teams needing a standardized dev environment

If you’ve ever wanted a clean, modern, AI‑ready dev machine without spending days configuring everything, **stAI** will save you a ton of time.

| Tier | Price | What You Get | 
|---|---|---|
| **Starter (Promo)** | **$99 USD** | Full VM download, AI stack, dev tools, Dockerfiles, 3 months of updates | 
| **Standard** | **$199 USD** | Everything in Starter + priority email support + 6 months of updates | 
| **Pro** | **$299 USD** | Everything in Standard + 1‑on‑1 onboarding session + 12 months of updates | 
| **Student Edition** | **$79 USD** | Same as Starter, discounted for students | 
| **Team Pack (5 seats)** | **$799 USD** | Team onboarding + shared support | 
| **Enterprise Pack (10 seats)** | **$1,499 USD** | Custom setup guidance + extended support | 

**Launch promo:** **50% off** (limited time)

Getting started with **stAI** takes just a few minutes. Everything is pre‑configured, so you can go from download to coding instantly.

Download VMware Workstation 17 Pro, and install it on your laptop.

Visit **[our online shop](https://tomsk.tv/wp/product/stai)**
to buy. After your payment, download the **stAI VM image** (a large ZIP file).

Unzip it into any folder you prefer — for example (C:/vm)

Open **VMware Workstation**

Click **Open a Virtual Machine**

Select the vmx file from the unzipped stAI folder (e.g., `C:/vm/stAI`)

Press **Power on this virtual machine**

The VM will boot, and you’ll immediately see your full development environment — files, tools, VS Code, everything ready to go.
For more detail please refer [Developer guide](https://tomsk.tv/wp/stai)

You can start coding right away and have fun building. The Docker containers will be up running, or you can use the Linux script files to start. You now have 2 monorepo: Node JS, and Go monorepo.

A purchase is required to download the Virtual Machine.

However, if you are a **college student** or are currently experiencing **financial difficulty**, please contact us — you may qualify for a free download of stAI.