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
Programming Languages
Programming Languages
- 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
Development Tools
Development Tools
- 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)
Package Managers
Package Managers
- apt: Debian package manager for system packages
- pip: Python package installer
- npm: Node.js package manager
Web Browser
Web Browser
- Google Chrome 140.0.7339.127: Full browser for web automation
- Headless and GUI modes supported
- ChromeDriver included for Selenium automation
System Utilities
System Utilities
- 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:Shell & Command Execution
Shell & Command Execution
Bash access: Full shell command execution for system operations, package installation, and process management.Use cases: Installing dependencies, running scripts, system configuration, file operations
File System Operations
File System 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
Web Browser Automation
Web Browser Automation
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
Screenshot & Visual Tools
Screenshot & Visual Tools
Screen capture: Take screenshots of the desktop, applications, or specific regions for visual debugging.Use cases: UI testing, visual verification, debugging graphical applications
Network Operations
Network Operations
Internet access: Make HTTP requests, download files, clone repositories, access APIs.Use cases: API integration, data fetching, package downloads, repository cloning
Process Management
Process Management
Process control: Start, stop, monitor processes and background jobs.Use cases: Running servers, background tasks, monitoring applications
Best Practices
Package Management
Install Packages in First Request
Install Packages in First Request
Use Requirements Files
Use Requirements Files
Version Pin Important Packages
Version Pin Important Packages
Command Execution
Resource Management
Monitor resource usage to avoid limits:Security Considerations
Integration with Other Primitives
With Sandbox
The computer environment runs within a sandbox:With File System
Shell commands interact with the file system:With Browser
Use shell to control browser automation:With Custom Tools
Combine system commands with 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
Command Not Found
Command Not Found
Problem: Command or package not availableSolution: Install the package first
Permission Denied
Permission Denied
Problem: Insufficient permissions for operationSolution: Use sudo or adjust file permissions
Out of Memory
Out of Memory
Problem: Process exceeds memory limitsSolution: Optimize script or use max mode
Package Installation Fails
Package Installation Fails
Problem: pip or npm installation errorsSolution: Check error messages and dependencies
Disk Space Issues
Disk Space Issues
Problem: Running out of storageSolution: Clean up unnecessary files
Related Primitives
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