Code Execution
Code Execution
Start with meaning, then move to detail.
This lesson explains Code Execution as part of extending Hermes and connecting external tools. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.
If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?
For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.
For advanced readers, inspect How It Works, When the Agent Uses This, Practical Examples, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.
Complete installation and one successful task before adding new capabilities.
A clear outcome before you read.
- Understand Code Execution without assumed prior knowledge.
- Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
- Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Short definitions before the details.
- Tool
- A structured action the agent can call to read or change something.
Programmatic Python execution with RPC tool access — collapse multi-step workflows into a single turn
What does the source say, and in what order?
- 01How It Works
Start here to understand the core idea or structure.
- 02When the Agent Uses This
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 03Practical Examples
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 04Data Processing Pipeline
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 05Multi-Step Web Research
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 06Bulk File Refactoring
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 07Build and Test Pipeline
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 08Execution Mode
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 09Resource Limits
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 10How Tool Calls Work Inside Scripts
Finish here to verify the result and special cases.
Copy only after you understand the effect.
**Available tools inside scripts:** `web_search`, `web_extract`, `read_file`, `write_file`, `search_files`, `patch`, `terminal` (foreground only).
## When the Agent Uses This
The agent uses `execute_code` when there are:
- **3+ tool calls** with processing logic between them
- Bulk data filtering or conditional branching
- Loops over results
The key benefit: intermediate tool results never enter the context window — only the final `print()` output comes back, dramatically reducing token usage.
## Practical Examples
### Data Processing Pipeline### Multi-Step Web Research### Bulk File RefactoringRead the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.