Isolation is the main feature
A dedicated environment lets an agent install dependencies, run services, and change files without disturbing the developer’s active checkout. It also creates a clean boundary for credentials and cleanup.
Remote work magnifies missing instructions
If setup depends on an untracked file, a local service, or a remembered command, the remote run will discover that gap slowly. Reproducible bootstrap scripts and scoped environment configuration are prerequisites, not polish.
Pick work that can come back as a patch
Tests, refactors, contained features, and dependency updates are good candidates because their outputs are reviewable. Open-ended product exploration usually benefits from a tighter conversation before execution leaves the local loop.