Overview
Since remote desktops maintain state between workflow runs, you need to consider how multiple workflows interact. This guide covers best practices for managing stateful environments.
Understanding Desktop State
Unlike stateless APIs, desktop environments persist:
- Open applications remain open
- Login sessions stay active
- Downloads accumulate
- Window positions don’t reset
A workflow might start with the desktop in an unexpected state from a previous run.
Designing for State
Assume Nothing About Initial State
Always verify the starting state:
from nen import Agent
from pydantic import BaseModel
class Params(BaseModel):
...
class Result(BaseModel):
...
def run(params: Params) -> Result:
agent = Agent()
# Check if we're on the expected screen
if not agent.verify("Is the dashboard visible?", timeout=5):
# Navigate to starting point
agent.execute("Close all open windows")
agent.execute("Open the application from the start menu")
agent.verify("Is the login screen visible?", timeout=15)
Create Idempotent Workflows
Design workflows that work regardless of starting state:
def run(params: Params) -> Result:
agent = Agent()
# Always navigate from a known starting point
agent.execute("Go to Home screen")
agent.verify("Is the home screen visible?")
# Now proceed with the actual task
agent.execute("Navigate to Reports")
Clean Up After Completion
Leave the desktop in a predictable state:
def run(params: Params) -> Result:
agent = Agent()
try:
# Main workflow logic
agent.execute("Generate the report")
data = agent.extract("Extract report data", ReportSchema.model_json_schema())
finally:
# Always clean up
agent.execute("Close the current window")
agent.execute("Return to home screen")
return Result.model_validate(data)
Best Practices Summary
| Practice | Description |
|---|
| Verify initial state | Check screen before acting |
| Navigate explicitly | Don’t assume current location |
| Clean up on exit | Return to known state |
| Use try/finally | Ensure cleanup runs |
| Isolate workflows | Consider dedicated deployments |
