**What are VM instances?**\
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VM instances in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are virtual machines that run on Compute Engine. They provide scalable, on-demand computing resources for a wide range of applications and services. Each VM instance can be customized with different configurations, such as CPU, memory, and storage, and can run various operating systems. VM instances support automated scaling, load balancing, and integration with other GCP services, making them suitable for tasks like hosting websites, running applications, and performing data analysis.