A Vagrant box is a specific package format for containing Vagrant environments. A Vagrant box file uses the .box file extension. A Vagrant box can be used with any platform and system that Vagrant supports to create the same environment by following the steps in the box file.
Understanding Vagrant boxes
Vagrant box file anatomy
A Vagrant box file is made up of three components: box file, box metadata, and box information. These components help package everything you need into one file. Various parts of these components are used by Vagrant when using and installing a new box to create the correct environment. Let's dive into the three components and see what each one does.