From d45d414c930bc09ad6a45b0c647377b1c0ab9da7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Brian Ray <62354532+emeryray2002@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2025 19:11:39 -0400
Subject: [PATCH] sandbox doc (#1390)

Co-authored-by: matt korwel <matt.korwel@gmail.com>
Co-authored-by: Jenna Inouye <jinouye@google.com>
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+# Sandboxing in the Gemini CLI
+
+This document provides a guide to sandboxing in the Gemini CLI, including prerequisites, quickstart, and configuration.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+Before using sandboxing, you need to install and set up the Gemini CLI:
+
+```bash
+#install gemini-cli with npm
+npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
+
+# Verify installation
+gemini --version
+```
+
+## Overview of sandboxing
+
+Sandboxing isolates potentially dangerous operations (such as shell commands or file modifications) from your host system, providing a security barrier between AI operations and your environment.
+
+The benefits of sandboxing include:
+
+- **Security**: Prevent accidental system damage or data loss.
+- **Isolation**: Limit file system access to project directory.
+- **Consistency**: Ensure reproducible environments across different systems.
+- **Safety**: Reduce risk when working with untrusted code or experimental commands.
+
+## Sandboxing methods
+
+Your ideal method of sandboxing may differ depending on your platform and your preferred container solution.
+
+### 1. macOS Seatbelt (macOS only)
+
+Lightweight, built-in sandboxing using `sandbox-exec`.
+
+**Default profile**: `permissive-open` - restricts writes outside project directory but allows most other operations.
+
+### 2. Container-based (Docker/Podman)
+
+Cross-platform sandboxing with complete process isolation.
+
+**Note**: Requires building the sandbox image locally or using a published image from your organization's registry.
+
+## Quickstart
+
+```bash
+# Enable sandboxing with command flag
+gemini -s -p "analyze the code structure"
+
+# Use environment variable
+export GEMINI_SANDBOX=true
+gemini -p "run the test suite"
+
+# Configure in settings.json
+{
+  "sandbox": "docker"
+}
+```
+
+## Configuration
+
+### Enable sandboxing (in order of precedence)
+
+1. **Command flag**: `-s` or `--sandbox`
+2. **Environment variable**: `GEMINI_SANDBOX=true|docker|podman|sandbox-exec`
+3. **Settings file**: `"sandbox": true` in `settings.json`
+
+### macOS Seatbelt profiles
+
+Built-in profiles (set via `SEATBELT_PROFILE` env var):
+
+- `permissive-open` (default): Write restrictions, network allowed
+- `permissive-closed`: Write restrictions, no network
+- `permissive-proxied`: Write restrictions, network via proxy
+- `restrictive-open`: Strict restrictions, network allowed
+- `restrictive-closed`: Maximum restrictions
+
+## Linux UID/GID handling
+
+The sandbox automatically handles user permissions on Linux. Override these permissions with:
+
+```bash
+export SANDBOX_SET_UID_GID=true   # Force host UID/GID
+export SANDBOX_SET_UID_GID=false  # Disable UID/GID mapping
+```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Common issues
+
+**"Operation not permitted"**
+
+- Operation requires access outside sandbox.
+- Try more permissive profile or add mount points.
+
+**Missing commands**
+
+- Add to custom Dockerfile.
+- Install via `sandbox.bashrc`.
+
+**Network issues**
+
+- Check sandbox profile allows network.
+- Verify proxy configuration.
+
+### Debug mode
+
+```bash
+DEBUG=1 gemini -s -p "debug command"
+```
+
+### Inspect sandbox
+
+```bash
+# Check environment
+gemini -s -p "run shell command: env | grep SANDBOX"
+
+# List mounts
+gemini -s -p "run shell command: mount | grep workspace"
+```
+
+## Security notes
+
+- Sandboxing reduces but doesn't eliminate all risks.
+- Use the most restrictive profile that allows your work.
+- Container overhead is minimal after first build.
+- GUI applications may not work in sandboxes.
+
+## Related documentation
+
+- [Configuration](./cli/configuration.md): Full configuration options.
+- [Commands](./cli/commands.md): Available commands.
+- [Troubleshooting](./troubleshooting.md): General troubleshooting.