Codex Coding

One-shot task

# with OpenClaw exec tool: pty=true, set workdir to project
# IMPORTANT: Use --sandbox workspace-write to allow file modifications
codex exec --sandbox workspace-write "Add input validation to the signup endpoint and update tests."

Long task in background

# Use --sandbox workspace-write for write access
codex exec --sandbox workspace-write "Implement feature X with tests, then summarize changed files and remaining risks."

Use process monitoring to read logs and intervene only if needed.

Working style

1. Define a precise task (scope + constraints + done criteria).
2. Ask Codex to implement and run tests/lint.
3. Review diff, rerun checks, iterate with focused follow-ups.
4. Summarize:
   • changed files
   • behavior impact
   • test results
   • known limitations

Prompt template

Use this template when dispatching Codex:

Context: <project + goal>
Constraints:
- Keep changes minimal and targeted
- Preserve existing style
- Update/add tests for modified behavior
- Run relevant checks before finishing
Deliverables:
- Summary of edits by file
- Commands run and results
- Remaining risks / TODOs

Safety / quality guardrails

• Prefer small iterative changes over large rewrites.
• Require tests for logic changes.
• Do not claim success without command output.
• If Codex is blocked by missing env/secrets, stop and report exact requirement.

References

• references/codex-readme.md
• Codex docs: https://developers.openai.com/codex