**What are VM instances?**\
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In Google Cloud Platform (GCP), VM instances are virtual machines running on Compute Engine. These instances provide scalable and customizable computing resources, allowing you to run applications, deploy services, and manage workloads. VM instances can be configured with different CPU, memory, and storage options, and you can choose from various operating systems. They support automated scaling, load balancing, and integration with other GCP services, making them versatile for various use cases such as hosting websites, running databases, and performing data analysis.