Midscene.js is an AI-driven browser automation SDK developed by "web-infra-dev". It automates UI tasks using natural language, integrating with Chrome extensions and JavaScript. The project is open-source with a strong community presence, actively maintained with 262 commits and 20 open issues/pull requests. It emphasizes ease of use through natural language processing and supports integration with tools like Puppeteer and Playwright.
Community Engagement: High GitHub activity with 3,293 stars and 158 forks.
Recent Focus: Feature requests for expanded functionality, particularly in integration and configuration.
Active Development: Ongoing work on enhancing data extraction capabilities and UI interaction.
Documentation Improvements: Recent updates emphasize data privacy and user guidance.
Recent Activity
yuyutaotao: Implemented features in the Chrome extension, updated documentation, fixed memory leaks, collaborated with Zhou Xiao.
Zhou Xiao (zhoushaw): Optimized DevTools execution, implemented water flow animation, fixed bugs, collaborated with yuyutaotao.
Brass-neck: Fixed document content issues.
georgezlei: Added environment variable interpolation to YAML parser.
Recent Issues and PRs
Feature Requests: Desktop application support (#294), local file uploads (#289).
Integration Challenges: Issues with environment variables (#266) and model integrations (#268).
Open PRs: Data extraction from iframes (#258), custom DOM descriptions (#203).
Risks
Integration Complexity: Users face challenges integrating various models and environments, indicating potential documentation gaps or compatibility issues.
UI Automation Limitations: Inability to handle elements within iframes (#256) suggests a need for capability expansion.
Configuration Issues: Recurring problems with environment variables highlight areas for improvement in user guidance.
Of Note
Draft Pull Requests: Significant features like custom DOM descriptions (#203) are in draft status, indicating ongoing development but not yet ready for production.
Quick Turnaround on Merges: Recent pull requests were closed swiftly, reflecting efficient handling of minor updates.
Focus on Documentation: Recent efforts to enhance documentation on data privacy (#291) highlight an emphasis on transparency and user trust.
Quantified Reports
Quantify issues
Recent GitHub Issues Activity
Timespan
Opened
Closed
Comments
Labeled
Milestones
7 Days
7
13
8
7
1
30 Days
45
42
167
45
1
90 Days
56
47
205
56
1
All Time
67
50
-
-
-
Like all software activity quantification, these numbers are imperfect but sometimes useful. Comments, Labels, and Milestones refer to those issues opened in the timespan in question.
Rate pull requests
3/5
The pull request introduces a new feature to reveal overlapped content, along with several other enhancements and fixes across multiple files. It includes a substantial number of changes (539 lines added and 183 removed) and touches various parts of the codebase, indicating a moderately significant change. However, it is still in draft status, which suggests it may not be fully complete or ready for final review. The changes are diverse, including feature additions, bug fixes, and minor refactoring, but there is no indication of exceptional complexity or innovation that would warrant a higher rating. Therefore, it is rated as average or unremarkable.
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4/5
The pull request introduces a feature allowing custom descriptions in the DOM, which is a moderately significant change that enhances the flexibility of the application. The implementation appears thorough, with multiple files updated and new documentation added in both English and Chinese. The PR includes tests and updates to configuration files, indicating a well-rounded approach. However, as it's still in draft status, it may require further refinement before merging. Overall, it's a quite good contribution but not exemplary due to its draft state and potential need for additional polish.
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4/5
The pull request introduces a significant feature by enabling data extraction from same-origin iframes, which enhances the functionality of the web integration package. The changes are well-structured, with a substantial amount of code added and modified, indicating a thorough implementation. The PR includes updates to documentation and tests, ensuring that the new feature is well-supported and verified. However, the complexity of the changes might require careful review to ensure no unintended side effects, preventing it from achieving an exemplary rating.
PRs: created by that dev and opened/merged/closed-unmerged during the period
Quantify risks
Project Risk Ratings
Risk
Level (1-5)
Rationale
Delivery
3
The project shows a mixed picture in terms of delivery risk. The positive closure rate of issues over the past 7 days (7 opened, 13 closed) and the active engagement in issue resolution are promising indicators for delivery. However, the presence of several draft pull requests (#203, #178) that have been open for extended periods suggests potential delays in feature completion. Additionally, the accumulation of unresolved issues over time could impact delivery if not managed effectively.
Velocity
3
The project's velocity appears stable but with some areas of concern. The recent commit activity indicates significant contributions from key developers, suggesting high velocity. However, the disparity in contributions among team members and the prolonged draft status of key pull requests (#203, #178) could slow down overall progress. The rapid closure of minor pull requests demonstrates efficient handling of straightforward changes, which is positive for velocity.
Dependency
4
The project's dependency management presents notable risks. The pnpm-lock.yaml file reveals multiple versions of certain packages and reliance on specific Node.js versions, which could lead to compatibility issues. Additionally, integration challenges highlighted in issues like #268 suggest dependency risks on external systems and libraries that may not seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure.
Team
3
The team dynamics show potential risks related to workload distribution and engagement. Key developers are contributing significantly, which could lead to burnout if not balanced. Meanwhile, other team members have minimal contributions, indicating possible disengagement or role-specific tasks not captured in the data. The low number of comments on issues suggests limited collaboration or communication challenges within the team.
Code Quality
4
Code quality is at risk due to the breadth of changes across multiple files in recent pull requests (#258, #203). The complexity of these changes necessitates thorough reviews to maintain code clarity and coherence. Additionally, the draft status of significant PRs suggests ongoing development that might affect code quality if not carefully managed.
Technical Debt
4
The project faces technical debt risks due to the complexity and volume of recent changes. The extensive modifications in PRs like #258 highlight potential challenges in maintaining code quality over time. Furthermore, recurring configuration issues (e.g., #278) suggest underlying technical debt that needs addressing to prevent long-term maintenance problems.
Test Coverage
3
Test coverage appears adequate but with room for improvement. The presence of scripts for AI testing and end-to-end testing reflects a structured approach to testing. However, the complexity of recent changes necessitates rigorous testing to ensure robustness across different components and prevent regressions.
Error Handling
3
Error handling is moderately addressed within the project. The 'playground-component.tsx' file demonstrates robust error handling practices by catching exceptions and providing user-friendly messages. However, dependency on specific server endpoints introduces risks if these services are unavailable or misconfigured, highlighting areas where error handling could be strengthened.
Detailed Reports
Report On: Fetch issues
Recent Activity Analysis
The recent activity in the Midscene.js GitHub repository shows a focus on feature requests and bug fixes, with a significant number of issues related to integration and configuration challenges. Notably, there are several feature requests for enhanced functionality, such as supporting desktop applications (#294), local file uploads (#289), and integration with local models like Ollama or LiteLLM (#268). There are also multiple issues related to configuration problems, particularly with environment variables and model integrations, indicating potential areas for improvement in documentation or user guidance.
Several issues highlight anomalies or complications, such as the inability to analyze elements within iframes (#256) and challenges with executing JavaScript in cross-origin iframes. These limitations suggest areas where the tool's capabilities could be expanded. Additionally, there are recurring themes of users seeking clarification on integrating various models and environments, such as Azure OpenAI and Python, which indicates a demand for broader compatibility and support.
Issue Details
Most Recently Created Issues
#294: [Feature Request]: Support desktop applications
Priority: Not specified
Status: Open
Created: 0 days ago
#289: [Feature Request]: Local file upload and then return to browser
Integration Challenges: Many issues revolve around integration difficulties with different environments and models, suggesting a need for clearer guidance or improved compatibility features.
Feature Requests: There is a strong demand for new features that enhance the tool's flexibility and usability, such as desktop application support and more comprehensive model integrations.
Common Themes:
Configuration Issues: Users frequently encounter problems with environment variables and model configurations.
Model Integration: There is interest in integrating various AI models beyond the default offerings.
UI Automation Limitations: Some users report limitations in automating specific UI elements, such as those within iframes.
Overall, the recent activity indicates active community engagement with a focus on expanding the tool's capabilities and improving user experience through better integration support.
Report On: Fetch pull requests
Pull Request Analysis for Midscene.js
Open Pull Requests
PR #258: feat: extract data from same-origin iframe
State: Open
Created: 9 days ago
Notable Aspects:
This PR introduces a feature to extract data from same-origin iframes, which can enhance the data extraction capabilities of Midscene.js.
It has a significant number of changes across multiple files, indicating a substantial update.
The deploy preview is ready, suggesting that the changes are in a reviewable state.
PR #203: feat: allow adding custom description in dom
State: Open (Draft)
Created: 26 days ago
Notable Aspects:
This draft PR allows adding custom descriptions in the DOM, potentially improving the customization and flexibility of the tool.
It has been edited multiple times, indicating ongoing development and refinement.
The draft status suggests it is not ready for final review or merging yet.
Adding documentation about data privacy is crucial for user trust and compliance with regulations. This update enhances the project's transparency regarding data handling.
PR #290: fix(extract-data): position ignore container element
State: Closed (Merged)
Created and Closed: 2 days ago
Notable Aspects:
This fix addresses an issue with ignoring container elements during data extraction, likely improving the accuracy of extracted data.
PR #286: feat: show pointer position in chrome extension
State: Closed (Merged)
Created and Closed: Within the last three days
Notable Aspects:
Enhancing the Chrome extension to show pointer positions can improve user interaction tracking and debugging capabilities.
Noteworthy Observations
Open Drafts:
Several open pull requests are still in draft status (#203 and #178), indicating ongoing development. These drafts suggest areas where significant new features are being developed but are not yet ready for production.
Quick Turnaround on Recent Merges:
Many recent pull requests were closed within a day of their creation (#293, #292, #291), indicating efficient handling of minor changes or updates. This rapid closure suggests a focus on maintaining an organized codebase and addressing minor issues promptly.
Focus on Documentation and Optimization:
Recent closed pull requests highlight efforts to improve documentation (#291) and optimize workflows (#292), reflecting an emphasis on usability and project management efficiency.
Feature Enhancements in Progress:
The open pull requests indicate ongoing efforts to enhance Midscene.js's capabilities, particularly in terms of data extraction (#258) and UI interaction (#203).
Overall, the project appears to be actively maintained with a focus on enhancing features, optimizing processes, and improving documentation. The open pull requests suggest exciting new capabilities on the horizon once they are finalized.
Metadata: The file contains standard metadata fields such as name, version, and license. The project is marked as private, which is typical for internal projects or those not intended for npm registry publication.
Scripts: A comprehensive set of scripts is defined for building, testing, linting, formatting, and preparing the project. The use of nx for running tasks across multiple projects suggests a monorepo structure.
Dependencies: The file lists several development dependencies, primarily tools for code quality (prettier, eslint), version control (commitizen, simple-git-hooks), and task management (nx). This indicates a focus on maintaining high code standards.
Engines: Specifies minimum versions for Node.js and pnpm, ensuring compatibility with modern JavaScript features.
Observations
The use of pnpm as the package manager is noted, which can offer performance benefits in monorepo setups.
The absence of production dependencies suggests this file is part of a larger monorepo where dependencies might be managed at a different level.
Imports and Constants: The file imports several modules and defines constants for configuration and templates. This modular approach aids in maintainability.
Functions: Functions like quickAnswerFormat and systemPromptToTaskPlanning are well-defined, encapsulating specific logic related to AI model planning.
Templates: Extensive use of template strings to define system behavior and output formats. This is crucial for AI-driven applications where dynamic content generation is necessary.
Schema Definition: The use of JSON schema to define expected data structures (planSchema) ensures data integrity and validation.
Observations
The file is lengthy (393 lines), which could impact readability. Consider refactoring into smaller modules if feasible.
Detailed comments within the templates provide clarity on expected behavior, which is beneficial for future maintenance.
Clarity: The document clearly outlines data privacy practices related to Midscene.js, emphasizing transparency about data handling.
Focus on User Control: Highlights user control over data by allowing self-hosting options, aligning with best practices in data privacy.
Observations
The document is concise (8 lines) but effectively communicates key privacy aspects. It could benefit from additional details on compliance with regulations like GDPR or CCPA if applicable.
Class Implementation: Defines a class ChromeExtensionProxyPage that interacts with Chrome tabs via the DevTools Protocol. This encapsulates functionality well within an object-oriented paradigm.
Debugger Management: Includes methods to attach/detach debuggers, manage mouse interactions, and capture screenshots. These are essential for browser automation tasks.
Error Handling: Utilizes assertions and try-catch blocks to handle potential errors during debugger operations.
Observations
The file's length (453 lines) suggests complexity; consider breaking down into smaller classes or modules if possible.
Use of inline comments aids understanding but could be expanded to explain complex logic further.
Overall, the source code demonstrates a high level of organization and adherence to modern JavaScript/TypeScript practices. Opportunities exist to enhance modularity in some files due to their length and complexity. Documentation appears adequate but could be expanded in areas like error handling strategies or regulatory compliance details.
Report On: Fetch commits
Repo Commits Analysis
Development Team and Recent Activity
Team Members and Their Recent Activities
yuyutaotao
Recent Work:
Implemented features such as showing pointer position in a Chrome extension, moving AI tests into an example repository, and allowing tracking of newly-opened tabs in the Chrome extension.
Worked on documentation updates, including data privacy documentation and instructions for using environment variables in YAML files.
Fixed various issues including memory leaks, planning typos, and error messages for extensions.
Collaborated with Zhou Xiao on multiple features and fixes.
Collaboration: Co-authored commits with Zhou Xiao (zhoushaw) on several features.
Zhou Xiao (zhoushaw)
Recent Work:
Focused on optimizing various components such as DevTools execution speed and AI model prompts.
Implemented features like water flow animation in Chrome DevTools and support for VLM planning.
Fixed bugs related to data extraction and planning prompts.
Collaborated with yuyutaotao on multiple features and fixes.
Brass-neck
Recent Work:
Contributed to fixing document content issues.
georgezlei
Recent Work:
Added environment variable interpolation to the YAML script parser.
Patterns, Themes, and Conclusions
Active Development: The team is actively working on enhancing the project's capabilities, with frequent updates to both features and documentation. This includes significant work on the Chrome extension and AI model improvements.
Collaboration: There is a strong collaborative effort between team members, particularly between yuyutaotao and Zhou Xiao, indicating a cohesive development process.
Focus Areas: Recent activities have focused on improving user experience through UI enhancements in the Chrome extension, optimizing AI model performance, and ensuring robust documentation.
Ongoing Work: Several branches indicate ongoing work on features like extracting data from same-origin iframes and custom page descriptions.
Overall, the development team is making consistent progress with a focus on enhancing functionality, improving user experience, and maintaining comprehensive documentation.
Summary
Quantified Reports
Detailed Reports