Use the Workbench AI Agent mode for intelligent O&M on the cloud - Elastic Compute Service

The Workbench AI Agent mode simplifies complex command-line operations and maintenance (O&M) on Elastic Compute Service (ECS) instances for tasks such as software installation and issue diagnosis. This mode lets you use natural language to plan and run operations, which improves O&M efficiency.

Features

The Workbench AI Agent mode is an intelligent assistant built into Alibaba Cloud Workbench. This mode lets you interact directly with the terminal using natural language. It transforms complex command-line operations that require memorization and manual entry into simple, conversational tasks.

Core capabilities

Recognizes Shell commands and natural language instructions: For example, if you enter ls, the agent recognizes it as a Shell command and does not start a conversation.
Breaks down tasks: When it receives a high-level request, such as install Docker or check CPU, the agent automatically breaks the request down into a series of specific, executable command-line steps.
Adjusts workflows dynamically: The agent does not simply run preset scripts. It adjusts the next steps in real time based on the result of the previous command, such as success, failure, or a specific output.
Makes decisions and plans: With clear instructions, the agent can plan the steps needed to complete a task. For example, it can automatically handle dependencies when installing software.
Understands context: The agent understands contextual information, such as the current directory and previous command history. This allows it to provide more accurate and relevant suggestions.
OpenAPI calls: The agent can call OpenAPI to retrieve instance-related information as needed.
Currently, only the DescribeInstanceAttribute, DescribeSecurityGroupAttribute, and DescribeDisks APIs are supported.

Scenarios

Scenario 1: Issue diagnosis

Scenario 2: Software installation

Scenario 3: System O&M

For example, when a server responds slowly.

Input:My instance is a bit slow. Help me analyze and fix it.

For example, when you need to install Docker.

Input:Please install Docker for me.

For example, when you need to disable password-based logon for the Secure Shell Protocol (SSH).

Input:Disable password-based logon for SSH.

Applicability

Before you use the Workbench AI Agent mode, make sure that the following conditions are met:

Your Alibaba Cloud account or Resource Access Management (RAM) user must have the permissions to log on to the target ECS instance using Workbench.
(Optional) If a task involves downloading software from the Internet, such as installing Nginx or WordPress, make sure that the ECS instance has public network access. To enable public network access, you can configure a public IP address or a NAT Gateway.

Use the AI Agent mode

Log on to a Linux instance using Workbench
Log on to the ECS console - Instances. Find the target instance and click Connect in the Actions column. Then, click Sign in now next to Workbench.
Enter AI Agent mode
After you log on to the instance, you can enter Agent mode in one of the following ways:
- Method 1: Click the button: At the top of the terminal interface, click Agent.
  This method is available only in the new version of Workbench.
- Method 2: Use a keyboard shortcut: In the terminal interface, press Command + I on macOS or Ctrl + Shift + I on Windows.
- Method 3: Use the context menu: In the terminal interface, right-click and select AI Terminal Mode.
Enter an instruction
After you enter this mode, the input prompt changes to a style specific to the Agent mode. Enter a simple natural language instruction and press Enter. For example:
```
My instance is a bit slow. Help me analyze and fix it.
```
To force the AI Agent to process your input as natural language, press Shift + Enter.
Review and execute
The agent understands your intent and plans the corresponding Shell commands. Before you execute the command, review it to make sure that it meets your expectations. After you confirm that the command is correct, click Run.
Important
The content generated by the AI is for reference only. You must confirm the final operation. You are responsible for any related risks and consequences.
When you attempt to execute a high-risk command, such as using the kill command to stop a process, the command box is highlighted in red as shown in the following figure. You must confirm the command again before you can execute it. Verify that the command is correct to ensure operational safety.
While the AI is generating a response, you can stop the process by clicking the icon to the right of the AI output or by pressing Ctrl/Command + C.
To modify the command in the AI response, click Edit above the command or press Ctrl/Command + E. After you finish editing, click Save or press ESC.
Start a new session (clears conversation history)
After you complete the task, click New Conversation below the AI output to clear the conversation history.

More uses

Upload and download files

In Agent mode, you can upload or download files using natural language instructions.

Upload a file
Example input: Upload a file to the current directory
Download a file
Example input: Download test.md to my local machine

Call OpenAPI to get instance information

The agent can call OpenAPI to retrieve instance-related information when needed, such as security group information. Currently, only the DescribeInstanceAttribute, DescribeSecurityGroupAttribute, and DescribeDisks APIs are supported.

Example input: Check if the security group of this instance allows access from 192.168.2.10

FAQ

Is there an extra charge for using the Workbench AI Agent mode?

No additional charge.