What is the purpose of 'Snapshots' in virtualization?

Snapshots in virtualization serve the essential function of capturing the current state of a virtual machine (VM) at a specific moment in time. This capability allows administrators to save the VM's hardware configuration, operating system state, applications, and data. When a snapshot is taken, the VM can be restored to that exact point if needed, which is particularly useful in situations such as testing software installations or system updates.

If an update causes issues or unwanted behavior, the administrator can quickly revert the VM to its previous state using the snapshot, ensuring minimal disruption and loss of data. This feature is invaluable for troubleshooting, backup procedures, and creating stable environments for development and testing. The ability to revert to a known good state allows for greater flexibility and risk management in managing virtual machines.