Core model
BCTRL has one simple execution model:
The Runtime does the work. The Run records one execution. A View lets a person watch or influence that work.
Space
A Space is the boundary around your automation. It groups Runtimes and defines which storage, Vault secrets, and AI credentials they can use.
Use a Space when you need isolation, shared configuration, or a separate environment for a team, customer, or workflow.
Runtime
A Runtime is the durable resource that performs automation. It represents the thing being automated. The current SDK creates browser Runtimes; the model also leaves room for future runtime types such as computers and spreadsheets.
A Runtime belongs to a Space and owns its configuration and identity. Tools, Agents, and browser connections all operate through a Runtime.
The Runtime response exposes this identifier as id. When another resource or
request refers to the Runtime, the field is named runtimeId. In the SDK, pass
the Runtime object’s id to lifecycle methods such as
bctrl.runtimes.start(runtime.id).
Run
A Run is one execution of a Runtime, from start until it stops or fails.
The Run response exposes its identifier as id. Run-scoped methods and
responses use runId, such as bctrl.runs.get(runId). The Run’s trace, events,
recording, and usage all use that Run ID as their observability key.
A reusable Runtime can have many Runs over time. An ephemeral Runtime normally has one Run.
View
A View is a user-facing surface into a Runtime or Run. It is not another execution record.
Use a View to:
- watch automation as it runs;
- inspect a recording, trace, or event stream;
- provide input when the automation needs a person; or
- intervene in a live session when the View allows it.
This is usually called live supervision or human-in-the-loop control. The Run remains the record of what happened; the View is how a person sees or influences it.
Automation
Tools, ToolCalls, Agents, and Conversations are ways to perform work through a Runtime. They are not additional execution containers:
- A Tool is one capability.
- A ToolCall is one execution of that capability.
- An Agent uses a Runtime to complete a task.
- A Conversation is a durable message workflow for an Agent.
Their activity is recorded in the active Run.