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PaperClipAI/docker/agent-runtime/SANDBOX-REQUIREMENTS.md
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Harold KimandPaperclip b6ad07938e docs(agent-runtime): add sandbox runtime requirements document
State the sandbox environment as a contract that the sandbox owner must
meet. Document the PATH contract, the CLI detection contract, and the firm
rule. The firm rule states that the Paperclip runtime never modifies the
login profile and never sources nvm on the exec path. Link the new document
from the agent-runtime README.

Co-authored-by: Paperclip <noreply@paperclip.ing>
2026-07-29 15:33:08 +00:00

1.3 KiB

Sandbox Runtime Requirements

This document states the sandbox environment as a contract. The sandbox owner must meet this contract. The Paperclip runtime does not build the environment at exec time. The environment is a requirement, not a build step.

This document states requirements. It does not state build steps.

Required on PATH

  • node must be installed and on the PATH.
  • Each agent CLI that the run uses must be installed and on the PATH. The set of agent CLIs includes claude, codex, gemini, and similar CLIs.
  • The owner installs only the CLIs that the run uses. The owner does not need to install a CLI that no run uses.

Detection contract

Paperclip probes each CLI before launch. Paperclip uses the same detection pattern that the runtime Dockerfiles use:

command -v <cmd> || exit 1

Paperclip probes each CLI with command -v <cmd>. Paperclip fails loudly when the CLI is absent. Paperclip does not install the CLI. Paperclip does not repair the PATH.

Firm rule

  • The Paperclip runtime never modifies the login profile. The runtime never writes a profile file. The runtime never writes an rc file.
  • The Paperclip runtime never sources nvm on the exec path.
  • The sandbox owner supplies a ready PATH. The PATH must resolve node and each used agent CLI without any action from the runtime.