How we built Browserbase functions

Browserbase was initially created to address the challenges of running browsers in production, particularly the complexities of hosting Chromium reliably. The platform allowed for hosted browser sessions, but users still faced difficulties managing the separate infrastructure needed for running automation scripts, which led to latency and fragility. In response, Browserbase developed Functions, an integrated solution for hosting the code that drives browser automation, treating it as a single system rather than separate components. The approach emphasizes versioning, allowing safe iterations without disrupting production traffic, and employs an infrastructure-as-code model to minimize environmental drift. By hosting both the browser and the automation code, Browserbase reduces latency, simplifies deployment, and aligns closely with the execution environment, enabling teams to focus on the functionality of their automation tasks without the burden of maintaining separate infrastructures.