I looked at a lot of options including Docker but then came across Lima (Linux for Mac) and this great guide by Chris Hager on how create a dev sandbox for your mac using Lima. This creates an Ubuntu VM, mapped to your dev directory with RW access, port and SSH forwarding, Mise support for language installs and automatic code agent installs.
https://www.metachris.dev/2025/11/sandbox-your-ai-dev-tools-...
I followed his guide. Got it working on my own then thought I'd try packaging it up in a claude skill to share. And holy yep works great!
To setup just go to /plugin -> marketplace in Claude Code and add
recodelabs/lima-devbox
Then install the skill and ask Claude to create you a VM. Claude will ask you some questions and then proceed to build you your VM.
Side note - this really hits home for me that Agent Skills is really all you need. Instead of writing a guide or wrapping this up in a app/TUI just bake any knowledge or process you want to automate and share into a skill. Definitely feels like the future.
Would love your feedback and PRs if you have ideas on how to improve.
https://github.com/recodelabs/lima-devbox
Thanks! Matt