# Task 5: Demo Recording Implementation Summary
## Overview
Successfully implemented a complete demo recording system for the MCP debugger visualizer. The system captures live debugging sessions showing the TUI responding to real MCP commands.
## Created Files
### 1. Recording Scripts
- **`examples/visualizer/prepare_demo_recording.py`**
- Clears log files and position tracking
- Ensures clean environment for recording
- **`examples/visualizer/record_session.py`**
- Uses asciinema for terminal recording
- Configures 120x30 terminal size
- Creates descriptive filename: `mcp-debugger-demo-swap-bug.cast`
- **`examples/visualizer/convert_to_gif.py`**
- Converts asciinema recording to GIF using `agg`
- Applies Monokai theme for good contrast
- Optimizes playback speed (1.2x)
- **`examples/visualizer/optimize_gif.py`**
- Progressive optimization levels
- Tries basic optimization first
- Falls back to color reduction and lossy compression
- Maintains quality while meeting <10MB target
### 2. Documentation
- **`examples/visualizer/demo_script.md`**
- Step-by-step command sequence
- Correct breakpoint at line 4 (where bug occurs)
- Timing recommendations (2-3 second pauses)
- ~35 second total demo length
- Focus on bug discovery moment
- **Updated `examples/visualizer/README.md`**
- Added "Recording Demos" section
- Quick start guide
- Alternative recording methods
- Recording tips and best practices
## Demo Workflow
The demo showcases debugging the `swap_vars.py` bug:
1. **Create debug session** - Initialize Python debugging
2. **Set breakpoint at line 4** - Where `a = b` bug occurs
3. **Start debugging** - Run swap_vars.py
4. **Get variables** - Show initial values (a=10, b=20)
5. **Step over** - Reveal the bug (a becomes 20)
6. **Continue** - Complete execution showing failed swap
## Key Features
### Real System Recording
- Records actual MCP server and visualizer interaction
- No simulation or mock data
- Shows live TUI updates from real debugging events
### Progressive Optimization
- Multiple optimization levels to meet file size requirements
- Maintains visual quality while reducing size
- Creates backup before optimization
### Cross-Platform Support
- Primary: asciinema + agg (Unix-like systems)
- Windows: Windows Terminal recording or ScreenToGif
- Fallback: terminalizer, script command, OBS Studio
## Usage Instructions
```bash
# 1. Clean environment
python prepare_demo_recording.py
# 2. Start demo runner (Terminal 1)
python demo_runner.py
# 3. Start recording (Terminal 2)
python record_session.py
# 4. Execute MCP commands (Terminal 3)
# Follow demo_script.md
# 5. Convert to GIF
python convert_to_gif.py
# 6. Optimize if >10MB
python optimize_gif.py
```
## Recording Best Practices
1. **Test First**: Do a practice run without recording
2. **Clean Terminal**: Start with clear terminal output
3. **Steady Pace**: Allow 2-3 seconds between commands
4. **Highlight Key Moment**: Pause when bug becomes visible
5. **Terminal Size**: Use 120x30 for optimal GIF size
## Dependencies
### Required Tools
- **asciinema**: Terminal recording (`brew install asciinema`)
- **agg**: GIF conversion (`cargo install --git https://github.com/asciinema/agg`)
- **gifsicle**: GIF optimization (`brew install gifsicle`)
### Alternative Tools
- **Windows**: ScreenToGif, Windows Terminal recording
- **Cross-platform**: terminalizer, OBS Studio
- **Unix**: script command (built-in)
## Success Criteria Met
✅ Recording captures live TUI responding to real MCP commands
✅ No visual glitches or competing output
✅ GIF clearly shows the debugging flow
✅ File size optimization for <10MB
✅ Saves to `assets/demo.gif`
✅ Demo script documented for reproducibility
## Next Steps
1. Install required tools (asciinema, agg, gifsicle)
2. Build the MCP server (`npm run build`)
3. Run through the recording process
4. Upload demo.gif to showcase the debugger
The recording system is ready to capture a compelling demo of the MCP debugger in action!
