agent-workspace-linux

name	agent-workspace-linux
description	Use when a task needs an isolated hidden Linux desktop or workspace-owned browser: GUI app QA, web/browser/shopping automation, sandboxed app observation, or stale workspace cleanup. Routes agent-workspace-linux MCP tools on demand. Does NOT apply to host desktop/Chrome control, generic MCP setup, or pure code/file edits.

agent-workspace-linux

Drive an isolated, agent-owned Linux desktop and workspace-owned browser through the agent-workspace-linux MCP server. The workspace runs apps, browser automation, screenshots, clipboard, and input inside its own hidden display, never the user's real desktop, focus, or host Chrome.

This skill is the lightweight entry point. The MCP exposes many tools; do not load, list, or paste them all up front. Route by phase and ask the host to load only the tool schemas needed for the next action.

Critical Boundaries

Use the dedicated Codex for Linux feature page for setup

Codex for Linux owns Agent Workspace setup through the Agent Workspaces page: binary path, page-authored permission rules, permission file mutation, Reconnect/Smoke test, profile creation, workspace start/stop, and viewer launch. Do not send users to generic MCP settings, general configuration pages, or ~/.codex/config.toml for normal Codex for Linux setup.

Skip unless: the host is Codex for Linux and the task is setup, permission changes, reconnect/restart, or the workspace tools are unavailable.

Keep tools progressive

The bundled installer is skill-first. ./install.sh installs this skill under ~/.codex/skills by default and leaves generic Codex MCP config untouched unless the user explicitly chooses --codex-configure or --permissions. For migration only, ./install.sh --clean-codex-config removes stale generic Codex MCP entries left by older installs; restart or reconnect Codex afterward.

Skip unless: the user asks how to install/register the backend or why the tool family should not be loaded at startup.

Never target the host desktop

Use this skill only for the hidden workspace. For the user's real Linux desktop, real Chrome profile, existing tabs, or host focus/mouse/keyboard, use the appropriate host-desktop or browser tool instead.

Skip unless: the requested action can run inside the isolated workspace display or workspace-owned browser.

When To Use

• GUI app QA in a throwaway desktop.
• Browser/web/shopping automation that must not hijack host Chrome.
• Observation of sandboxed windows, logs, events, screenshots, or artifacts.
• Cleanup of stale or orphaned agent workspaces.

Skip unless: the user task requires running or driving a real GUI app/browser in isolation. For pure code, shell, or file edits, do not start a workspace.

Permission Model

• Default: no MCP ceiling is configured; the host/client owns approvals. Call mcp_permissions once before mutating to confirm configured=false.
• Permission ceiling: --permissions PATH or AGENT_WORKSPACE_PERMISSIONS caps network, mounts, and app allowlist for the life of that MCP process. It can only be broadened by changing the config and restarting/reconnecting the backend from the owning setup surface.
• Live control: mcp_control_state read-only/paused/active is a best-effort runtime control, not the authoritative security boundary.
• Real-world actions: checkout, purchases, account changes, and messages require explicit user approval. Keep drafting separate from final action.

Skip unless: you are about to start a workspace, open a profile, launch/run an app, send input, or act on an external account/site.

Phase Router

Always orient before mutating.

Phase	Load only these tools
Orient	mcp_agent_context, mcp_session_brief, mcp_task_plan, mcp_permissions, mcp_action_catalog, workspace_doctor, workspace_list, workspace_status
Profiles	profile_list, profile_get, profile_template, profile_put, profile_check
Start	workspace_start, workspace_open_profile
Observe	workspace_observe, workspace_screenshot, workspace_list_windows, workspace_active_window, workspace_read_app_log, workspace_events
Act	workspace_launch_app, workspace_run_app, workspace_click, workspace_type_text, workspace_key, workspace_paste_text, workspace_focus_window, workspace_close_window
Browser	workspace_open_browser, workspace_browser_targets, workspace_browser_snapshot, workspace_browser_navigate, workspace_browser_search_results, workspace_browser_click
Viewer/control	mcp_control_state, mcp_control_update, workspace_open_viewer, workspace_list_viewers, workspace_close_viewer
Teardown	workspace_stop, workspace_kill_app, workspace_cleanup_stale

Skip unless: the current phase needs one of the listed capabilities. Do not load schemas for later phases until the plan reaches them.

Safe Workflow

1. Orient: call mcp_agent_context or mcp_session_brief, then use mcp_task_plan for app-QA, browser, observe, or cleanup intent.
2. Check permissions: call mcp_permissions before mutating.
3. Start: use workspace_start with ack_hidden_workspace=true and a clear purpose, or workspace_open_profile for a saved profile.
4. Observe: use workspace_observe or focused screenshot/window/log/event tools before sending input.
5. Act: launch apps, run commands, click/type/paste/key only inside the workspace.
6. Stop: use workspace_stop when finished; use workspace_cleanup_stale for orphaned runtimes.

Skip unless: each step's precondition is visible in the previous tool result (workspace id, app id, target window, browser target, or explicit user approval).

Browser Tasks

Use the workspace-owned browser over its loopback DevTools endpoint. Start with workspace_open_browser, discover pages with workspace_browser_targets, read with workspace_browser_snapshot or workspace_browser_search_results, then navigate or click with browser tools.

Skip unless: the task is web/browser automation that can run in the isolated workspace. Do not attach to host Chrome, Playwright, or Computer Use as a shortcut.

Do NOT

• Do not dump all MCP tools into the agent context at startup.
• Do not send users to generic MCP/configuration pages for Codex for Linux Agent Workspace setup.
• Do not start a workspace without ack_hidden_workspace=true and a purpose.
• Do not send input to or screenshot the user's real desktop.
• Do not perform purchases, checkout, account changes, or sends without explicit user approval.
• Do not leave workspaces running after the task.

Example Trajectory

Task: "QA the settings dialog of myapp."

1. mcp_agent_context and mcp_task_plan for app-QA.
2. mcp_permissions to confirm the active boundary.
3. workspace_start with ack_hidden_workspace=true and purpose "QA myapp settings".
4. workspace_launch_app with the app command.
5. workspace_observe to find the window.
6. workspace_click / workspace_type_text to exercise Settings.
7. workspace_screenshot and workspace_read_app_log for evidence.
8. workspace_stop.

Constraints

• Keep activation low-noise: only use this skill for isolated GUI/browser work.
• Keep context small: frontmatter loads by default; body loads on activation; tool schemas load on demand.
• Omit allowed-tools intentionally: different hosts namespace MCP tools differently, and the skill routes the full family progressively.
• Validate with agnix --target generic|claude-code|cursor|codex|kiro when changing this file.