Summary
browser_fetch needs a first-class setup flow for its local browser dependency.
Today, users may hit a missing-browser error and still have to figure out Chrome/Chromium installation and BB_BROWSER configuration themselves.
Motivation
We considered making browser installation/configuration happen automatically during every npm install, but that has major downsides:
- large download / install side effects
- slower installs and CI friction
- platform-specific behavior
- surprising changes for users who never use
browser_fetch
- downloaded browser builds may still not be compatible with the current
browser_fetch launch mode
An explicit setup flow is safer and clearer.
Proposal
Add a dedicated command such as:
Initial scope:
- detect whether a compatible Chrome / Chromium / Edge executable is available
- show the resolved executable path if found
- print the shell export needed for
BB_BROWSER
- optionally persist that export to the user's shell rc file
- if nothing is found, print platform-specific install guidance and tell the user what to run next
Nice follow-ups
- TUI shortcut/help when
browser_fetch fails due to missing browser
- optional
bb doctor / dependency check flow
- optional guided installation helpers per platform
Summary
browser_fetchneeds a first-class setup flow for its local browser dependency.Today, users may hit a missing-browser error and still have to figure out Chrome/Chromium installation and
BB_BROWSERconfiguration themselves.Motivation
We considered making browser installation/configuration happen automatically during every
npm install, but that has major downsides:browser_fetchbrowser_fetchlaunch modeAn explicit setup flow is safer and clearer.
Proposal
Add a dedicated command such as:
Initial scope:
BB_BROWSERNice follow-ups
browser_fetchfails due to missing browserbb doctor/ dependency check flow