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Agentbase provides agents with complete Linux computer environments featuring shell access, multiple programming runtimes, package managers, and development tools for complex workflows.

Overview

The Computer primitive represents the full Linux operating system environment that agents can access for executing code, running commands, installing packages, and performing system-level operations. Unlike simple code execution, the computer environment provides:
  • Shell Access: Full bash shell for running any command
  • Multiple Runtimes: Python, Node.js, and more pre-installed
  • Package Management: apt, pip, npm for installing dependencies
  • Development Tools: git, curl, wget, vim, and standard Unix utilities
  • Internet Access: Download packages, make API calls, clone repositories
  • Persistent State: Installed packages and files persist across requests

Full Linux OS

Debian GNU/Linux 12 (bookworm) with kernel 6.1.134 x86_64

Pre-installed Runtimes

Python 3.11.2, Node.js 18.20.4, and essential development tools

Package Managers

apt for system packages, pip for Python, npm for Node.js

Internet Enabled

Full outbound internet access for downloads and API calls

When Computer Environments Are Created

Computer environments are created automatically when agents need to perform tasks that require:

Code & Development

Python, Node.js, or other language execution, package installation, testing, and debugging

File Operations

Creating, reading, writing, or processing files, data transformation, and file system management

Web Interaction

Web scraping, browser automation, form submission, and website testing

System Operations

Shell commands, system configuration, process management, and tool installation
Automatic Creation: You don’t need to explicitly request a computer - agents create them automatically when tasks require persistent state or system access.

System Specifications

Operating System

Pre-installed Software

  • Python 3.11.2: Full Python runtime with pip package manager
  • Node.js 18.20.4: JavaScript runtime with npm
  • Bash 5.2.15: Shell scripting and command execution
  • git: Version control system
  • curl/wget: HTTP clients for downloading files
  • vim/nano: Text editors
  • grep/sed/awk: Text processing utilities
  • tar/gzip: Archive and compression tools
  • gcc/make: Compilation tools (available via apt)
  • apt: Debian package manager for system packages
  • pip: Python package installer
  • npm: Node.js package manager
  • Google Chrome 140.0.7339.127: Full browser for web automation
  • Headless and GUI modes supported
  • ChromeDriver included for Selenium automation
  • ps/top: Process monitoring
  • df/du: Disk usage
  • netstat/ss: Network statistics
  • chmod/chown: File permissions
  • find/locate: File search
  • cat/less/more: File viewing

Resource Allocation

  • CPU: Shared allocation based on agent mode
  • Memory: 2GB for flash/base modes, 4GB for max mode
  • Disk: 10GB persistent storage per session
  • Network: Unlimited bandwidth with rate limiting
  • File Descriptors: Standard Linux limits

Code Examples

Running Shell Commands

Installing and Using Packages

Running Scripts

Git Operations

System Monitoring

Use Cases

1. Software Development

Complete development workflows:

2. Data Analysis

Process and analyze data files:

3. System Administration

Automate system tasks:

4. CI/CD Workflows

Build and test pipelines:

5. Web Scraping and Automation

Extract data from websites:

6. Machine Learning

Train and evaluate models:

Core Capabilities & Tools

The computer environment provides comprehensive built-in capabilities:
Bash access: Full shell command execution for system operations, package installation, and process management.Use cases: Installing dependencies, running scripts, system configuration, file operations
Complete file access: Read, write, create, and manage files across the entire Linux filesystem.Use cases: Code development, data processing, configuration management, artifact storage
Full browser capabilities: Navigate websites, interact with web applications, and extract data from web pages.Use cases: Web scraping, testing web applications, research, form automation
Screen capture: Take screenshots of the desktop, applications, or specific regions for visual debugging.Use cases: UI testing, visual verification, debugging graphical applications
Internet access: Make HTTP requests, download files, clone repositories, access APIs.Use cases: API integration, data fetching, package downloads, repository cloning
Process control: Start, stop, monitor processes and background jobs.Use cases: Running servers, background tasks, monitoring applications

Best Practices

Package Management

Command Execution

Error Handling: Always check command exit codes and handle errors appropriately. Agents do this automatically but you can be explicit in your instructions.

Resource Management

Monitor resource usage to avoid limits:

Security Considerations

Sensitive Data: Be cautious with secrets and credentials. While the environment is isolated, avoid hardcoding sensitive information in files.

Integration with Other Primitives

With Sandbox

The computer environment runs within a sandbox:
Learn more: Sandbox Primitive

With File System

Shell commands interact with the file system:
Learn more: File System Primitive

With Browser

Use shell to control browser automation:
Learn more: Browser Primitive

With Custom Tools

Combine system commands with custom tools:
Learn more: Custom Tools

Performance Considerations

Execution Speed

  • Command execution: Milliseconds for simple commands
  • Package installation: Varies (30s - 5min depending on package)
  • Script execution: Depends on script complexity
  • File operations: Near-instant for files under 10MB

Optimization Strategies

Cache Dependencies

Install packages once per session and reuse

Parallel Operations

Use background processes for concurrent tasks

Efficient Scripts

Optimize scripts for speed and resource usage

Minimal Installs

Only install required packages, not full suites

Performance Example

Advanced Usage

Working Directory

Default working directory is /home/pointer:

Environment Variables

Set and use environment variables:

Background Processes

Run processes in the background:

Cron Jobs and Scheduling

While cron isn’t directly supported, use sessions for scheduled tasks:

Troubleshooting

Problem: Command or package not availableSolution: Install the package first
Problem: Insufficient permissions for operationSolution: Use sudo or adjust file permissions
Problem: Process exceeds memory limitsSolution: Optimize script or use max mode
Problem: pip or npm installation errorsSolution: Check error messages and dependencies
Problem: Running out of storageSolution: Clean up unnecessary files

Sandbox

Isolated execution environment hosting the computer

File System

Persistent file storage and operations

Browser

Web automation and interaction

Sessions

Maintain computer state across requests

Additional Resources

Tools Reference

All available tools and commands

Persistence Guide

How computer state persists

API Reference

Complete API documentation
Remember: Computer environments are created automatically when tasks require them. Simply describe your goal - agents will handle provisioning, tool selection, and environment management.