I found a nice text exactly about that question that you need, see if it is what you looking for:\
In VMware, there are two primary cloning methods: linked clones and full clones, each with distinct characteristics and use cases.
Linked Clones:
- Linked clones are created from a snapshot of an existing VM, sharing virtual disks with the original VM to save storage space.
- They are space-efficient as they only store differences from the parent VM, reducing storage requirements.
- Ideal for testing and development environments where multiple VMs need similar configurations.
- Commonly used with VMware Horizon View for virtual desktop deployments, allowing rapid provisioning of virtual desktops.
Full Clones:
- Full clones are independent copies of the original VM, having their complete set of virtual disks.
- They do not share any storage with the parent VM, thus consuming more storage space.
- Suitable for production environments, critical VMs, and scenarios where VMs need complete isolation.
- Recommended when performance and security are top priorities.
Choosing the Right Clone Type:
- Use linked clones when optimizing storage space and deploying non-critical VMs in development or testing environments.
- Select full clones for production environments, critical VMs, or scenarios requiring complete VM isolation and performance.
In summary, linked clones are storage-efficient and suitable for non-production environments, while full clones offer isolation and performance benefits, making them ideal for production environments and mission-critical VMs. Carefully consider your specific use case and storage requirements when choosing the appropriate cloning method in VMware.
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