## Thinking Path
> - Paperclip is the control plane for companies that use AI agents.
> - Apps give humans and agents controlled access to external services.
> - The existing app detail flow split permissions, tests, setup, and
activity across separate pages.
> - The split made access rules harder to understand and made reconnect
work hard to find.
> - New write actions also defaulted to Ask first, which did not match
the intended connection policy.
> - This pull request combines permission control and action testing,
removes the setup page, and moves connection activity into Audit.
> - The benefit is one clear place to configure, test, reconnect, and
review each app.
## Linked Issues or Issue Description
**What existing behavior does this improve?**
The installed app Permissions, Test, Setup, and Activity views.
**Subsystem affected**
Cross-cutting. This change updates the React UI, shared app defaults,
server permission behavior, tests, smoke scripts, and connection
documentation.
**Current behavior**
App access and action testing use separate pages. The app detail view
also links to a setup page after installation. Connection activity uses
a separate tab. New write actions default to Ask first.
**Proposed behavior**
Permissions uses the connection access language from the initial flow.
It includes searchable Read and Write sections, a three-state permission
control, and a Test dialog for each action. Reconnect appears below a
Needs attention header on Permissions and Review. Old Setup and Test
links redirect to Permissions. Old Activity links redirect to the
filtered company Audit feed. New write actions default to Allowed.
**Reason and benefit**
A person can understand and test app access without moving between
several pages. Reconnect work stays visible where the person reviews the
connection. Audit events use one consistent feed and filter model. New
connections have the intended default policy.
**Breaking changes**
The Setup, Test, and app Activity tabs are removed. Existing deep links
redirect to their replacement pages. Existing saved action permissions
do not change. Only defaults for new write actions change.
**Additional context**
This builds on the managed app connection work in #12728. A search found
no duplicate open pull request or issue.
## What Changed
- Combined action testing with Permissions.
- Added searchable Read and Write action groups.
- Added Off, Ask first, and Allowed controls with tooltips.
- Added an action Test dialog with agent selection, arguments, and
formatted results.
- Removed the installed-app Setup and Activity tabs.
- Added reconnect guidance to Permissions and Review when a connection
needs attention.
- Routed connection activity into the company Audit feed and preserved
the Apps & tools filter in streamlined Audit.
- Moved connection removal to the Connectors-page management menu.
- Made new write actions default to Allowed across connection creation
paths.
- Updated regression tests, browser suites, smoke scripts, and
connection documentation.
## Verification
- `pnpm check:token-gates`
- `pnpm exec vitest run packages/shared/src/app-definitions.test.ts
server/src/__tests__/generic-mcp-connection.test.ts
server/src/__tests__/tool-access-service.test.ts
ui/src/components/AppConnectionSidebar.test.tsx
ui/src/pages/apps/AppDetail.test.tsx
ui/src/pages/apps/AppNotConnected.test.tsx
ui/src/pages/apps/AppsConnect.test.tsx ui/src/pages/apps/Browse.test.tsx
ui/src/pages/apps/Connections.test.tsx
ui/src/pages/apps/composio-services.test.ts
ui/src/pages/audit/AuditFeed.test.tsx
ui/src/pages/tools/PasteConfigTab.test.tsx` (517 tests passed)
- `pnpm exec vitest run ui/src/pages/apps/app-detail/TestPanel.test.tsx
ui/src/pages/audit/AuditHub.test.tsx
ui/src/pages/audit/AuditFeed.test.tsx
ui/src/pages/apps/AppDetail.test.tsx ui/src/pages/apps/Browse.test.tsx`
(96 tests passed)
- Targeted Playwright verification for connection removal, rename on
Permissions, inline action testing, and Smoke Lab Audit evidence (5
flows passed)
- `pnpm -r typecheck`
- `pnpm build`
- `pnpm test:run` completed with 5,755 passing tests and 20 unrelated
macOS harness failures. The failures use `/tmp` versus `/private/tmp`,
invalid ports above 65535, and workspace fixtures outside this change.
## Risks
- Low migration risk. This change has no database migration.
- Old app-detail URLs depend on redirect compatibility.
- New connections grant write actions by default. Finalization remains
configure-authorized and audited, Ask first and Off remain available per
action, and existing connections keep their saved policy.
> For core feature work, check [`ROADMAP.md`](ROADMAP.md) first and
discuss it in `#dev` before opening the PR. Feature PRs that overlap
with planned core work may need to be redirected - check the roadmap
first. See `CONTRIBUTING.md`.
## Model Used
OpenAI Codex, exact model ID `gpt-5`. The client does not expose the
context-window size. The model used reasoning, repository tools, code
execution, and browser verification.
## Checklist
- [x] I have included a thinking path that traces from project context
to this change
- [x] I have specified the model used (with version and capability
details)
- [x] I have checked ROADMAP.md and confirmed this PR does not duplicate
planned core work
- [x] I have searched GitHub for duplicate or related PRs and linked
them above
- [x] I have either (a) linked existing issues with `Fixes: #` / `Closes
#` / `Refs #` OR (b) described the issue in-PR following the relevant
issue template
- [x] I have not referenced internal/instance-local Paperclip issues or
links (only public GitHub `#NNN` / `github.com/paperclipai/paperclip`
URLs)
- [x] My branch name describes the change (e.g. `docs/...`, `fix/...`)
and contains no internal Paperclip ticket id or instance-derived details
- [x] I have run tests locally and they pass
- [x] I have added or updated tests where applicable
- [x] I have updated relevant documentation to reflect my changes
- [x] I have considered and documented any risks above
- [x] All Paperclip CI gates are green
- [x] Greptile is 5/5 with no open P2s, recommendations, or follow-ups
- [x] I will address all Greptile and reviewer comments before
requesting merge
---------
Co-authored-by: Paperclip <noreply@paperclip.ing>
## Thinking Path
> - Paperclip is the open source app people use to manage AI agents for
work.
> - The Apps subsystem gives humans and agents governed access to
external tools.
> - The current connection flow hides Apps behind an experimental gate
and repeats setup text.
> - Google sharing choices and generic MCP permissions do not use one
consistent opening model.
> - Self-hosted installs also need a safe default origin for managed
OAuth without a manual config file.
> - This pull request makes Apps available, simplifies connection setup,
and applies one governed permissions model.
> - The benefit is a shorter connection flow that works on a clean
self-hosted install.
## Linked Issues or Issue Description
**What existing behavior does this improve?**
This improves the Apps connection setup flow, managed Google connection
flow, generic MCP connection flow, navigation, and runtime origin
discovery.
**Subsystem affected**
Cross-cutting. This changes `ui/`, `server/`, `packages/shared/`,
connector documentation, and browser tests.
**Current behavior**
Apps require an experimental switch. Setup pages repeat titles and
explanatory copy. Connection names require manual input. Google
credential sharing does not always offer both personal and organization
access. Generic MCP providers do not start with the same permission
choices. Managed OAuth needs a public URL setting even when the request
already has a safe HTTPS origin.
**Proposed behavior**
Apps are available by default. Setup asks only for required permissions
and sharing choices. Paperclip creates conflict-free connection names.
Google apps and generic MCP providers use the same human and agent
access model. Managed OAuth derives a validated same-origin HTTPS URL
when no explicit public URL is set.
**Reason and benefit**
A clean self-hosted install can connect a managed Google app without
hidden setup. Humans can share a service account with their
organization. The shorter flow reduces duplicated choices and setup
errors.
**Breaking changes**
The Apps experimental switch is removed. Existing connection APIs remain
compatible. New connections can receive a numeric suffix when a name
already exists.
No duplicate or related public issue was found.
## What Changed
- Removed the Apps experimental gate and the breadcrumb that leaves the
Apps section.
- Simplified all connection setup pages and moved optional provider
requirements into one small link.
- Added consistent human and agent access choices for Google apps,
Zapier, and generic MCP connections.
- Added organization sharing to Google Workspace credentials while
keeping personal access available.
- Generated connection names automatically and resolved name conflicts
with numeric suffixes.
- Derived a validated public HTTPS origin from the request for
config-free managed OAuth.
- Updated connector contracts, tests, browser coverage, and authoring
documentation.
## Verification
- `pnpm check:token-gates`
- `pnpm -r typecheck`
- `pnpm build`
- `pnpm exec vitest run server/src/__tests__/tool-access-service.test.ts
server/src/__tests__/generic-mcp-connection.test.ts` (273 passed)
- Targeted UI/service regression suite (308 passed)
- Six targeted Playwright connection journeys on a fresh onboarding
instance (6 passed)
- Fresh-install browser proof through Tailscale HTTPS: enrolled with
Paperclip Cloud, connected managed Google Drive, and completed a real
read operation.
- [Exact-head CI
run](https://github.com/paperclipai/paperclip/actions/runs/33669760711):
all 23 matrix jobs passed, including build, typecheck, server,
serialized, canary, and all browser shards.
- Greptile 5/5 on `0ae2a859f269984ee950d0af231a5b09a06f3dfd`, with no
unresolved review threads.
## Risks
Apps are now visible to all operators. The removed experimental flag no
longer hides unfinished app definitions. Managed Google availability
still depends on the Cloud profile rollout and active instance
enrollment. Automatic conflict handling changes only the display name of
a newly conflicting connection.
> I checked [`ROADMAP.md`](ROADMAP.md). MCP Tool Gateway and Apps are
shipped. Connected Apps is planned, and this change improves the
existing shipped connection flow.
## Model Used
OpenAI Codex, GPT-5, with reasoning, browser control, tool use, and code
execution.
## Checklist
- [x] I have included a thinking path that traces from project context
to this change
- [x] I have specified the model used (with version and capability
details)
- [x] I have checked ROADMAP.md and confirmed this PR does not duplicate
planned core work
- [x] I have searched GitHub for duplicate or related PRs and linked
them above
- [x] I have either (a) linked existing issues with `Fixes: #` / `Closes
#` / `Refs #` OR (b) described the issue in-PR following the relevant
issue template
- [x] I have not referenced internal/instance-local Paperclip issues or
links (only public GitHub `#NNN` / `github.com/paperclipai/paperclip`
URLs)
- [x] My branch name describes the change (e.g. `docs/...`, `fix/...`)
and contains no internal Paperclip ticket id or instance-derived details
- [x] I have run tests locally and they pass
- [x] I have added or updated tests where applicable
- [x] I have updated relevant documentation to reflect my changes
- [x] I have considered and documented any risks above
- [x] All Paperclip CI gates are green
- [x] Greptile is 5/5 with no open P2s, recommendations, or follow-ups
- [x] I will address all Greptile and reviewer comments before
requesting merge
---------
Co-authored-by: Paperclip <noreply@paperclip.ing>
## Thinking Path
> - Paperclip uses browser tests to protect critical operator flows.
> - The trusted pull request workflow runs the E2E catalog on three
existing runners.
> - Smoke Lab was one 168-second spec, so the shard scheduler could not
divide it.
> - The spec also repeated service-start calls, page loads, and
full-page screenshots.
> - This pull request removes that repeated work and divides the
scenario catalog into two independent specs.
> - The benefit is a shorter Smoke Lab run and a balanced E2E lane
without more AWS capacity.
## Linked Issues or Issue Description
Refs: #10629
**What existing behavior does this improve?**
This improves the trusted pull request E2E lane and its Smoke Lab
Playwright coverage.
**Current behavior**
Smoke Lab is one indivisible 168-second CI spec. It starts services for
every scenario, loads the same evidence page twice, and captures a
full-page success screenshot for all 56 lifecycle steps.
**Proposed behavior**
Start Smoke Lab services once per spec. Keep the per-scenario fixture
reset. Capture one representative success screenshot per scenario and
keep every failure screenshot. Run P1–P4 and P5–P7 as separate specs so
the existing duration-aware scheduler can put them on different runners.
**Reason and benefit**
The optimized lifecycle reduced local Smoke Lab wall time from 57.68
seconds to 37.04 seconds. This is a 35.8% reduction. The two halves also
let the existing three runners target about 125, 124, and 124 seconds of
recorded spec work instead of about 168, 125, and 124 seconds.
**Breaking changes**
None. The same seven scenarios and eight lifecycle steps still run. The
result API still records every step. Successful non-connect steps no
longer attach redundant screenshots.
## What Changed
- Reused one Smoke Lab service start within each spec while retaining
isolated fixture installation for every scenario.
- Removed the duplicate catalog evidence navigation.
- Reduced success screenshots from 56 to 7 while retaining screenshots
for every failed step.
- Split the shared lifecycle runner into P1–P4 and P5–P7 specs.
- Mark each successful split result as partial and keep dashboard health
amber until one run covers the full catalog.
- Updated the duration manifest and contributor docs for the split.
## Verification
- `pnpm -r typecheck` passed on Node.js 24.20.0.
- `pnpm build` passed on Node.js 24.20.0.
- `node --test scripts/__tests__/e2e-shard.test.mjs` passed 9 tests.
- `pnpm exec vitest run ui/src/pages/tools/smoke-lab-matrix.test.ts`
passed 8 tests.
- Both split specs passed together on Node.js 24.20.0 after the review
fixes: 2 passed in 35.7 seconds; shell wall time was 36.86 seconds.
- The pre-change Smoke Lab baseline passed with a 57.68-second shell
wall time. The optimized unsplit A/B run passed with a 37.04-second
shell wall time.
- The full local E2E catalog passed 44 tests and skipped 2 tests. One
existing `pipelines-tutorial-flow.spec.ts` assertion failed again when
run alone.
- The broad local unit run reproduced failures in untouched
workspace-runtime suites. Typecheck, build, shard tests, and all changed
browser coverage pass. CI remains the authoritative full-suite result.
## Risks
- The split duration weights use the measured local reduction and the
previous 168-second CI weight. They should be refreshed after two real
pull request runs.
- Service state is shared within each half. Fixture installation still
runs before every scenario to reset connection, policy, and catalog
state.
- Each half records passed execution with partial coverage. Dashboard
health recognizes the partial flag and stays amber because no single
runner covers the full catalog. A failed half still records failed/red.
- Fewer success screenshots reduce redundant artifacts. Every scenario
keeps its connect screenshot, and every failure still captures evidence.
> For core feature work, check [`ROADMAP.md`](ROADMAP.md) first and
discuss it in `#dev` before opening the PR. Feature PRs that overlap
with planned core work may need to be redirected — check the roadmap
first. See `CONTRIBUTING.md`.
## Model Used
- OpenAI Codex, GPT-5. The exact deployment ID and context window are
not exposed in this session. The model used agentic reasoning, code
editing, shell execution, browser testing, and GitHub tools.
## Checklist
- [x] I have included a thinking path that traces from project context
to this change
- [x] I have specified the model used (with version and capability
details)
- [x] I have checked ROADMAP.md and confirmed this PR does not duplicate
planned core work
- [x] I have searched GitHub for duplicate or related PRs and linked
them above
- [x] I have either (a) linked existing issues with `Fixes: #` / `Closes
#` / `Refs #` OR (b) described the issue in-PR following the relevant
issue template
- [x] I have not referenced internal/instance-local Paperclip issues or
links (only public GitHub `#NNN` / `github.com/paperclipai/paperclip`
URLs)
- [x] My branch name describes the change (e.g. `docs/...`, `fix/...`)
and contains no internal Paperclip ticket id or instance-derived details
- [x] I have run tests locally and they pass
- [x] I have added or updated tests where applicable
- [x] I have updated relevant documentation to reflect my changes
- [x] I have considered and documented any risks above
- [x] All Paperclip CI gates are green
- [x] Greptile is 5/5 with no open P2s, recommendations, or follow-ups
- [x] I will address all Greptile and reviewer comments before
requesting merge
---------
Co-authored-by: Paperclip <noreply@paperclip.ing>
Dotta