The two patterns by which agents connect sandboxes

AI agents increasingly require isolated sandboxes to securely run code and manage files. Two primary architectural patterns exist for this integration: running the agent inside the sandbox or treating the sandbox as an external tool. The 'Agent IN Sandbox' pattern mirrors local development and is good for tightly coupled environments, but it can expose API keys and slow down updates. Conversely, the 'Sandbox as Tool' pattern enhances security by keeping credentials separate and allows for faster iteration, though it may introduce network latency. The optimal choice depends on specific project needs regarding security, development speed, and the agent's environmental dependencies.