What does a file with a .vmtx extension represent in a datastore?

A file with a .vmtx extension represents a template configuration in a datastore. When creating a virtual machine template in VMware, the system generates a template file with this specific extension. This file contains the necessary metadata and configuration settings that define the virtual machine's specifications, such as memory, CPU, networking, and storage options, without containing the actual disk data of a virtual machine.

Using templates is a best practice for deploying consistent virtual machine environments quickly and efficiently. Administrators can clone or create new virtual machines from this template configuration, ensuring uniformity across a deployment. This process enhances resource utilization and simplifies the management of multiple virtual machines.

Other types of files, such as those representing virtual disks or snapshots, have different extensions and purposes, thus distinguishing them from the .vmtx files.