X8.5B — integrate-agent-inspect-dev-tracing (Optional Test)

[HsienW]

Labels: second-stage, layer-2, backend, optional
Milestone: Second Stage - Layer 2: Platform Governance
Dependencies: X8 (OTel tracing should coexist)

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Integrate agent-inspect for Local-First Agent Execution Tree Debugging

Goal

Integrate agent-inspect — a local-first TypeScript tool that turns agent runs, tool calls, LLM calls, failures, durations, and structured logs into readable execution trees. This complements X8 OTel Tracing with a development-time local debug view.

Background

Received an invitation from the agent-inspect developer to test it with this project. agent-inspect is a lightweight, local-first debugging tool designed for agent development workflows.

Relationship with X8 (OTel)

Dimension	OTel (X8, self-built)	agent-inspect (external)
Purpose	Production Runtime governance	Development-time local debugging
Deployment	Distributed (BFF→Backend→Model)	local-first
Output	OTel Spans → Metrics Dashboard	Terminal execution tree (step-by-step trace)
Dependency	OTel SDK + Collector	npm install agent-inspect

Scope

• Install and wire up agent-inspect in the backend at key agent/tool/LLM call nodes
• Design for coexistence with X8 OTel: NODE_ENV=development → agent-inspect; production → OTel. Both can also run simultaneously on the same event data source.
• Run a complete Weather or Deep Research agent run and verify agent-inspect produces a full execution tree
• Collect feedback: complementary effect with X8 OTel, gaps, actual developer productivity improvement

Excludes

• ❌ Does not replace X8 OTel Tracing
• ❌ No deep customization or forking of agent-inspect

Acceptance

• agent-inspect successfully wired in and produces a complete execution tree for at least one full agent run
• Coexists with OTel without conflict (switchable by env, or both output simultaneously)
• Describable developer productivity improvement during debugging

Dependencies

• Should be done after X8 OTel Tracing is in place (for coexistence testing)