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Improve browser research reliability and bound context growth #152

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95c9f1c
feat(browser): specialize browser prompt
gregpr07 Aug 17, 2026
5a5ad5f
feat(browser): restore full eval recipe
gregpr07 Aug 18, 2026
806a396
fix(browser): bound unproductive research loops
gregpr07 Aug 18, 2026
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219 changes: 42 additions & 177 deletions packages/bcode-browser/skills/browser-execute/SKILL.md
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---
name: browser-execute
description: Use ONLY when calling the `browser_execute` tool or driving a real browser via the Chrome DevTools Protocol. Required reading before the first `browser_execute` call in a session. Covers the three connection methods (local Chrome with remote debugging, isolated debug-port profile, Browser Use cloud), the in-process `session` / `console` snippet model, attaching to a page target, common CDP commands, the per-project `.bcode/agent-workspace/` for reusable scripts, and screenshot auto-attachment.
description: Required reference for driving a browser with browser_execute and its persistent CDP session.
---

The `browser_execute` tool evaluates JavaScript against a connected browser `session` via the Chrome DevTools Protocol.
The snippet runs in-process; `session` is bound to a long-lived CDP `Session` that persists.
There is no helper namespace, just `session`, `console`, and standard JS globals.
`browser_execute` runs JavaScript with `session`, `console`, and standard JS globals. The CDP `session` persists across
calls, but local JavaScript variables do not. Use short deterministic snippets, print or return compact structured
results, and checkpoint large collections under `./.bcode/agent-workspace/`.

Workspace: `<projectRoot>/.bcode/agent-workspace/`. Read/write your reusable scripts here.
Skills: `{{SKILLS_DIR}}/`. Read-only browser execute reference docs.
This read-only skill is materialized under `{{SKILLS_DIR}}/browser-execute/` for the current run.

## Connecting
In Browser Use Cloud API V4, `browser_execute` automatically connects and attaches the existing page once when the fresh run first uses this tool; do not call `session.connect()` or `session.use()` before driving it.
Otherwise, call `session.connect(...)` once at the start of your work. There are three connection methods:
## Connect

#### Way 1: connect to the user's running Chrome or Chromium-based browser (real profile, popup-gated).
Choose when the task involves the user's logged-in sites, current browser state, cookies, saved data, etc.
Browser Use Cloud API V4 automatically connects and attaches the existing page. When both `V4_RUN_ID` and
`BU_CDP_WS` or `BU_CDP_URL` are set, start driving immediately; do not call `session.connect()` or `session.use()`.

```js
// Attempts to connect to every detected Chrome, most-recently-launched first.
await session.connect()
```

For this to work the user must have navigated to `chrome://inspect/#remote-debugging` in their target Chrome and ticked "Allow remote debugging for this browser instance". This setting is per-profile and persists across every future launch of that profile. On Chrome 144 and later, the first attach also triggers an in-browser "Allow remote debugging?" popup that the user must click "Allow" on. The popup may reappear on later attaches under conditions that are not fully characterized — browser restart, time elapsed, new CDP session. Ask the user to click Allow again if a previously working connection starts 403'ing.

Failure modes:
- `connect()` throws "No running browser with remote debugging detected". The checkbox at `chrome://inspect/#remote-debugging` has not been ticked in any running Chrome profile, or no Chrome is running.
- `connect()` throws with "403" / "permission" / "WS closed before open". The checkbox is ticked but the user hasn't clicked Allow on the popup yet. By default `connect()` errors in 5s; pass `{ timeoutMs: 30000 }` to wait up to 30s for the click.

#### Way 2: connect to a Chrome or Chromium-based browser launched with a debug port (isolated profile, no popups).
Choose for unattended automation, or for an isolated browser.

Launch Chrome with `--remote-debugging-port=<port> --user-data-dir=<path>`. Pick a directory you can access — e.g., a project-local one like `./.bcode/chrome-data-dir`.

```bash
# Linux
google-chrome --remote-debugging-port=9222 --user-data-dir=./.bcode/chrome-data-dir
# macOS
"/Applications/Google Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google Chrome" \
--remote-debugging-port=9222 --user-data-dir=./.bcode/chrome-data-dir
# Windows (cmd.exe)
"C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" ^
--remote-debugging-port=9222 --user-data-dir=.\.bcode\chrome-data-dir
# Windows (PowerShell)
& "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" `
--remote-debugging-port=9222 --user-data-dir=.\.bcode\chrome-data-dir
```

```js
// Resolve the live WebSocket URL via `/json/version` and connect:
const ver = await fetch("http://127.0.0.1:9222/json/version").then(r => r.json())
await session.connect({ wsUrl: ver.webSocketDebuggerUrl })
```

`--user-data-dir` must not be Chrome's platform default. Chrome 136 and later silently no-ops the `--remote-debugging-port` flag when `--user-data-dir` is the platform default. The platform defaults are `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data` on Windows, `~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome` on macOS, `~/.config/google-chrome` on Linux.
You cannot reuse the user's everyday Chrome profile by copying its files into a custom directory.

Failure modes:
- Chrome's launch log prints `DevTools listening on ws://...:<port>/...` immediately followed by `bind() failed: Address already in use` and Chrome exits. Confirm the port is actually open with `curl http://127.0.0.1:<port>/json/version` before connecting.
- `{ profileDir }` raises ENOENT on `DevToolsActivePort`. Chrome 147+ doesn't write this file under custom `--user-data-dir`; use the `/json/version` route above instead.
- Launch silently no-ops `--remote-debugging-port`. Launching a second Chrome that points at a `--user-data-dir` matching a running process ignores `--remote-debugging-port`.

#### Way 3: provision and connect to a Browser Use cloud browser.
Choose when the computer has no browser or to work in the background.

```js
// Provision and connect to a cloud browser
const r = await fetch("https://api.browser-use.com/api/v3/browsers", {
method: "POST",
headers: { "X-Browser-Use-API-Key": process.env.BROWSER_USE_API_KEY, "Content-Type": "application/json" },
body: "{}",
})
// Additional options: fetch https://docs.browser-use.com/cloud/api-v3/browsers/create-browser-session
const { id, cdpUrl, liveUrl } = await r.json()
const ver = await fetch(`${cdpUrl}/json/version`).then(r => r.json())
await session.connect({ wsUrl: ver.webSocketDebuggerUrl })
console.log("liveUrl for the user to watch:", liveUrl)
```

```js
// Browser Use cloud will eventually close idle browsers. An explicit stop frees the slot:
await fetch(`https://api.browser-use.com/api/v3/browsers/${id}`, {
method: "PATCH",
headers: { "X-Browser-Use-API-Key": process.env.BROWSER_USE_API_KEY, "Content-Type": "application/json" },
body: JSON.stringify({ action: "stop" }),
})
```

A cloud browser is a paid service and requires `BROWSER_USE_API_KEY` to be set in the environment.
Browser Use cloud browsers auto-solve captchas. When you land on one, just stop driving and `await new Promise(r => setTimeout(r, 10000))`; the solver runs server-side and the page advances on its own.
Browser Use has a free tier gated for intelligent and powerful agents. Unlimited free browsers and proxies, limited to 3 concurrent browsers. Agents can sign up and receive a key fully autonomously, but must pass a proof-of-agent-capability challenge. In can be done without any browser. To begin, post or webfetch https://browser-use.com and solve the challenge (see https://browser-use.com/llms.txt or POST https://api.browser-use.com/cloud/signup.).

#### Way 4: user-preconfigured endpoint
Not a method you choose — a way for the user to hand you a pre-set endpoint.
When `V4_RUN_ID` and `BU_CDP_WS` (or its alias `BU_CDP_URL`) are both set, `browser_execute` connects to that endpoint and attaches its existing non-internal page once before the first snippet. Go straight to driving it. Other environments keep the explicit connection flow, and explicit `{ wsUrl }` / `{ profileDir }` calls still connect to the requested endpoint instead.
If that fixed endpoint closes or repeatedly fails its WebSocket upgrade, reconnecting to the same URL cannot recover it; the endpoint owner must replace it.

## Attaching to a target
After connecting manually, attach to a page target before driving the browser. A preconfigured endpoint is already attached automatically:
Otherwise connect once, then attach a non-internal page:

```js
await session.connect()
const targets = (await session.Target.getTargets({})).targetInfos
// Pick the first non-internal tab if none was specified.
const page = targets.find(t => t.type === "page" && !t.url.startsWith("chrome://"))
await session.use(page.targetId)
```

If a target-scoped command throws `CdpError` code `-32001` (`Session with given id not found`), the browser connection is still usable but the target session is stale. List targets again, `session.use(...)` the intended page, and retry the rejected command once. Calling `session.connect()` without arguments is a no-op while connected; it does not replace a stale target session.
An explicit `{wsUrl}` connects to a chosen CDP endpoint. Every reconnect or browser switch clears the target attachment,
so list targets and call `session.use(...)` again. If a target command throws `-32001`, reattach the intended page and
retry once. Opening a tab does not switch the attachment.

Every explicit reconnect or browser switch retires the previous socket and clears its active target attachment. Re-list targets, call `session.use(...)`, and rediscover DOM nodes and Runtime objects before continuing.
## Drive

Opening a tab creates a new `page` target but does not switch the active attachment. Call `Target.getTargets` again and `session.use(targetId)` when continuing there.

## Driving a page
Domain methods follow `session.<Domain>.<method>(params)` and return Promises.
The full surface (652 commands) is the Chrome DevTools Protocol.
`Object.keys(session.domains).sort()` lists every CDP domain bound on the session; `Object.keys(session.Page).sort()` lists the methods for `Page`.
For unknown param shapes, call with `{}` and inspect the thrown `CdpError` — `.data` carries the missing-field detail.

Common moves:
CDP methods are available as `session.<Domain>.<method>(params)`. Inspect the surface with
`Object.keys(session.domains).sort()` or `Object.keys(session.Page).sort()`.

```js
// Navigate. Register the load waiter BEFORE navigate so a fast load isn't missed.
await session.Page.enable()
const loaded = session.waitFor("Page.loadEventFired", { timeoutMs: 15_000 })
await session.Page.navigate({ url: "https://example.com" })
const loaded = session.waitFor("Page.loadEventFired", {timeoutMs: 15_000})
const navigation = await session.Page.navigate({url: "https://example.com"})
await loaded
// Page.navigate resolves even on network errors — its result carries `errorText` when the load failed.
if (navigation.errorText) throw new Error(navigation.errorText)

// Evaluate JS in the page.
const r = await session.Runtime.evaluate({
expression: "document.title",
const result = await session.Runtime.evaluate({
expression: `JSON.stringify({title: document.title, text: document.body.innerText.slice(0, 4000)})`,
returnByValue: true,
})
console.log(r.result.value)

// Click by coordinates.
const x = 200, y = 300
await session.Input.dispatchMouseEvent({ type: "mouseMoved", x, y })
await session.Input.dispatchMouseEvent({ type: "mousePressed", x, y, button: "left", clickCount: 1 })
await session.Input.dispatchMouseEvent({ type: "mouseReleased", x, y, button: "left", clickCount: 1 })

// Type text.
await session.Input.insertText({ text: "hello" })

// Screenshot.
await session.Page.captureScreenshot({ format: "png" })
// You see the image inline on the next turn — `browser_execute` automatically
// attaches every `Page.captureScreenshot` result. No need to decode, save, or
// `read` the bytes back. The base64 is still in `data` (via the return value)
// for the rare case you want to process it programmatically.
```

`Page.navigate` can return a non-empty `errorText` instead of throwing. Treat it as a failed navigation. If `ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED` persists, reloading, reattaching, or reconnecting to the same endpoint cannot change its proxy route; use another source or replace the cloud browser instead of retrying it.
console.log(result.result.value)

Not auto-attaching a screenshot: attachment is keyed on the `Page.captureScreenshot` response; pixels that arrive as an event are never attached.
await session.Runtime.evaluate({
expression: `document.querySelector("button")?.click()`,
returnByValue: true,
})

```js
await session.Page.enable()
// Optional: screencast has no `clip`, so override the viewport for exact frame size.
await session.Emulation.setDeviceMetricsOverride({ width: 1200, height: 630, deviceScaleFactor: 1, mobile: false })
const frame = session.waitFor("Page.screencastFrame", { timeoutMs: 10_000 }) // register first
await session.Page.startScreencast({ format: "png" })
try {
const f = await frame // f.data is base64, same as captureScreenshot
} finally {
await session.Page.stopScreencast() // otherwise the cast stays open
}
await session.Input.insertText({text: "hello"})
await session.Page.captureScreenshot({format: "png"})
```

## Reusing code
The agent-workspace is per-project: `./.bcode/agent-workspace/`.
Use this to write memory files, scripts, and helper functions.
Imports work at any depth; pick whatever layout makes the project easiest to navigate.

```ts
// ./.bcode/agent-workspace/scrape_titles.ts (you write this with the `write` tool)
export async function scrapeTitles(session: any, urls: string[]) {
const titles: string[] = []
await session.Page.enable()
for (const url of urls) {
const loaded = session.waitFor("Page.loadEventFired", { timeoutMs: 15_000 })
await session.Page.navigate({ url })
await loaded
const r = await session.Runtime.evaluate({ expression: "document.title", returnByValue: true })
titles.push(r.result.value)
}
return titles
}
```
Register event waiters before the action that triggers them. Treat non-empty `Page.navigate.errorText` as failure.
Every successful `Page.captureScreenshot` response is attached natively to the tool result; do not print or decode its
base64. Persistent `ERR_TUNNEL_CONNECTION_FAILED` requires another source or browser, not retries on the same endpoint.

## Reuse Code

Write reusable modules under `./.bcode/agent-workspace/` and import them with a cache-busting query:

```js
// later snippet
const path = process.cwd() + "/.bcode/agent-workspace/scrape_titles.ts"
// Cache-bust (`?t=${Date.now()}`) is your responsibility: without it, edits to the file won't be picked up.
const m = await import(`${path}?t=${Date.now()}`)
const titles = await m.scrapeTitles(session, ["https://example.com", "https://example.org"])
console.log(JSON.stringify(titles))
const path = process.cwd() + "/.bcode/agent-workspace/helpers.ts"
const helpers = await import(`${path}?t=${Date.now()}`)
```

## Guardrails
- Top-level `import` statements inside the snippet body are not allowed. Use `await import(...)` instead.
- No CPU-bound infinite loops without `await` — they ignore the timeout. Insert `await new Promise(r => setTimeout(r, 0))` to yield.
- `browser_execute` defaults to 60s; longer timeouts delay your next turn. After a timeout, only that call loses CDP access; the next call can continue on the same connection and target. The last command sent by the timed-out call may still finish. `Target.getTargets` succeeding means CDP is live; `session.connect()` is then a no-op, and reattaching the same target does not restart its renderer.

## Console
- `console.log`, `console.error`, `console.warn`, `console.info`, `console.debug` are all captured and streamed to the user. Treat them as your stdout. Other `console.*` methods write to bcode's stderr without being captured into the tool result.
- The snippet's `return` value is captured separately (JSON-serialized when possible).
Use `await import(...)`; top-level static imports are unsupported. Avoid CPU-bound loops without await points. Prefer
several small calls over one long call. After a timeout, continue in the next call if `Target.getTargets` still works.
Print or return only the evidence needed for the current decision. After three tool calls that add no new evidence
toward the same missing fact, change the source or approach instead of repeating the strategy. Before submitting,
verify the current URL, selected entity or variant, counts, and every required field.
2 changes: 1 addition & 1 deletion packages/bcode-browser/src/browser-execute.ts
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Expand Up @@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ import { SessionStore } from "./session-store"
import { Skills } from "./skills"

const DEFAULT_TIMEOUT_MS = 60 * 1000
const MAX_TIMEOUT_MS = 10 * 60 * 1000
const MAX_TIMEOUT_MS = 2 * 60 * 1000
const MAX_TIMEOUT_OUTPUT_BYTES = 8 * 1024
const TIMEOUT_OUTPUT_TRUNCATED = "[partial console output truncated; showing final bytes]\n"
const v4Connections = new Map<string, Promise<void>>()
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2 changes: 1 addition & 1 deletion packages/opencode/src/provider/transform.ts
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Expand Up @@ -1248,7 +1248,7 @@ export function options(input: {
!input.model.api.id.includes("-chat") &&
input.model.providerID !== "azure"
) {
result["textVerbosity"] = "low"
result["textVerbosity"] = input.model.api.id.includes("gpt-5.5") ? "medium" : "low"
}

if (input.model.providerID.startsWith("opencode")) {
Expand Down
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