Principle:Puppeteer Puppeteer Browser Lifecycle Management
| Knowledge Sources | |
|---|---|
| Domains | Browser_Automation, Resource_Management |
| Last Updated | 2026-02-11 23:00 GMT |
Overview
A practice that ensures proper cleanup and termination of browser processes and their associated resources after automation tasks complete.
Description
Browser Lifecycle Management addresses the critical need to properly shut down browser processes when automation is complete. Browser instances consume significant system resources (memory, CPU, file handles, network ports), and failure to close them leads to resource leaks, orphaned processes, and eventual system degradation.
Proper lifecycle management involves:
- Closing all open pages and their associated contexts
- Terminating the browser child process
- Cleaning up temporary user data directories
- Disconnecting protocol transport connections
Usage
Always close browser instances at the end of automation scripts. Use try/finally blocks or the disposable pattern to ensure cleanup occurs even when errors are thrown. In long-running services, implement connection pooling with proper lifecycle hooks.
Theoretical Basis
# Browser cleanup sequence
1. browser.close() is called
2. All browser contexts are destroyed
3. All pages within each context are closed
4. Protocol connection (WebSocket) is terminated
5. Browser child process receives shutdown signal
6. Temporary data directories are removed
7. Promise resolves when process has exited