Sprites
lastmod 2026-05-31created 2026-01-122 edits
Sprites are stateful cloud computers developed by Fly.io, designed as an alternative to disposable sandboxes.
Key features
- Can be created within 1-2 seconds
- Automatic idle state transition
- Checkpoint restore (Git-like system versioning)
- Provides 100GB of persistent storage
- Anycast network connectivity via HTTPS URLs
Background
The existing stateless container model is inefficient for AI agents like Claude. AI agents need a persistent environment, and starting a new container every time loses the previous work.
Real-world example
Claude developed and maintained an SQLite-based Go application (MDM) in a Sprite environment for over a month. This demonstrates the persistence and stability of Sprites.
Technical features
- Based on Docker containers
- Uses Fly Machines infrastructure
- Provides a CLI tool
- State can be restored with the checkpoint system
- Supports microservice architecture
See also
- Fly.io
- SQLite
- Docker
- VM
- Phoenix Framework
- APNS
- Container Technology
- Microservices
- Horizontal Scaling
- Persistent Storage
- Sandbox Environment
- LXC
- Incus