Playwright
Browser automationMicrosoft's modern browser automation library — the reliable base for driving a real browser.
Playwright drives Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit through one API, with auto-waiting that removes most of the flakiness older tools were known for. It was built for testing but has become the default way to give software control of a browser.
For AI work it is the layer underneath: when an agent must use a site that has no API, Playwright is what actually clicks, types, and reads the page.
Where it's ideally used
The dependable foundation whenever code — or an agent — has to operate a real browser, especially for sites with no API.
Where it doesn't fit
On its own it is mechanical, not intelligent: it executes precise instructions and does not decide what to do — that layer sits above it.