READONLY vs APPLY mode: protecting the site by default
WP Agent Bridge starts in READONLY mode. All writes are impossible until an APPLY window is explicitly opened. This is the precautionary principle applied to WordPress automation.
READONLY mode
By default, the plugin is in READONLY mode. The Read, Options, SEO and Diagnostics families are available, but the Write, Media and Snapshots families are locked. An agent can audit the site, analyze SEO, check security, but cannot modify anything.
APPLY mode
To write, you must open an APPLY window via wpab/open-apply-window. The window lasts 15 to 240 minutes. During this time, all ability families are available. On expiry, the site automatically reverts to READONLY.
Why this design?
An AI agent can make mistakes. The default READONLY mode ensures that a misconfigured or misprompted agent cannot break the site. The APPLY window is a voluntary act: the user (or the agent with authorization) explicitly decides to open the write window.
Loopback verification
In APPLY mode, each write is followed by a loopback verification: the plugin checks that the site responds with HTTP 200. If the site is broken, the operation is canceled and the snapshot restored. This is a double safety: the mode protects by default, the verification protects during writes.
Conclusion
The default READONLY mode and the timed APPLY window are the two pillars of WP Agent Bridge security. They transform potentially dangerous automation into controlled and reversible automation.