Working with Codex: Setup and Core Features
Key Points
- Plain language interaction with real-time task steering
- Organize work with threads and project-linked folders
- Run multiple concurrent tasks without interruption
Summary
Codex is an AI workspace for managing tasks through threads and projects. The interface consists of a sidebar menu, projects, settings, and a chat window where you can interact with Codex in plain language to automate work on your local files.
Key Points
- Threads: Think of threads like ChatGPT conversations. Create new threads as standalone conversations or nest them within projects to organize your work.
- Projects: Link projects to folders on your computer to group related tasks. Codex only modifies files within the designated project folder.
- Sidebar Navigation: Use the sidebar to navigate between threads, projects, and tools. Search functionality helps locate previous tasks and projects.
- Plugins: Extend Codex capabilities for repeatable processes and tool integrations (covered in Plugins & Skills section).
- Chat Interaction: Communicate with Codex in plain language without perfect prompts. Specify what you want, which files to use, and what success looks like.
- Real-time Steering: Use the "Steer" feature to course-correct Codex while it's working without stopping and restarting.
- Concurrent Tasks: Run multiple Codex tasks simultaneously—one thread can clean data while another drafts documents.
- Settings: Configure permissions, personalization, and sleep mode behavior to prevent interruptions during long-running tasks.