> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://novusedge0.gitbook.io/stoat/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://novusedge0.gitbook.io/stoat/reference/configuration-examples.md).

# Configuration examples

Stoat uses TOML files for VM settings, guest definitions, projects, and recipes. The annotated samples in the repository describe their fields:

| File                                                                                             | Purpose                                | Reference                                                     |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [vm.toml](https://github.com/NovusEdge/stoat/blob/main/docs/reference/samples/vm.toml)           | Settings and recorded state for one VM | [The data root](/stoat/concepts/data-root.md)                 |
| [guest.toml](https://github.com/NovusEdge/stoat/blob/main/docs/reference/samples/guest.toml)     | Guest image and provisioning defaults  | [Guest definitions](/stoat/reference/guest.md)                |
| [stoat.toml](https://github.com/NovusEdge/stoat/blob/main/docs/reference/samples/stoat.toml)     | VMs declared in a project              | [The project file](/stoat/reference/project-file.md)          |
| [recipe.toml](https://github.com/NovusEdge/stoat/blob/main/internal/recipes/samples/recipe.toml) | Recipe metadata and parameters         | [Writing your own recipe](/stoat/recipes/writing-your-own.md) |

These files document the available fields. For a first working environment, follow [Your first VM](/stoat/getting-started/first-vm.md) or the [Project workflow](/stoat/workflows/project-workflow.md).