What is the main purpose of swap files (.vswp) in a VMware virtual machine?

The main purpose of swap files (.vswp) in a VMware virtual machine is to reclaim memory during periods of contention. When a virtual machine runs out of physical memory, VMware uses the swap file to swap out inactive memory pages to disk, allowing the virtual machine to continue functioning even when memory resources are limited. This mechanism is particularly important in environments with multiple virtual machines running concurrently, as it helps manage memory allocation efficiently and prevents potential crashes due to memory exhaustion.

The use of swap files provides a buffer during high-demand scenarios, enabling the hypervisor to maintain a balance of available memory across all running virtual machines. This functionality is crucial for ensuring performance and stability in a virtualized environment where resource allocation is constantly fluctuating.