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Glossary

Definitions for common Codex terms and concepts

Use this glossary as a quick reference for Codex terms across the app, CLI, IDE extension, cloud, SDK, and related integrations.

Term
Agent
Definition
The Codex worker that reasons over context, uses tools, and completes a task.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud
Term
AGENTS.md
Definition
Repository or user guidance file that gives Codex persistent instructions.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud
Term
Analytics dashboard
Definition
Admin view for Codex usage, adoption, and code review metrics.
Applies to
Enterprise
Term
API key sign-in
Definition
Authentication using an OpenAI API key.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Approval policy
Definition
Rules for when Codex must ask before taking an action.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Approval request
Definition
Codex asking to allow a restricted action.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Apps (connectors)
Definition
Integration that lets Codex access external services. Available through plugins; also called connectors.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Appshot
Definition
Snapshot of the frontmost app window sent to a Codex thread.
Applies to
App
Term
Auth cache
Definition
Locally stored login credentials reused by Codex.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Automatic approval review
Definition
Model-based review of eligible approval requests before they proceed.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Automation
Definition
A scheduled or recurring Codex task.
Applies to
App
Term
Automation run
Definition
One execution of a scheduled automation that may report findings or archive itself.
Applies to
App
Term
Browser use
Definition
App capability that lets Codex operate the in-app browser directly.
Applies to
App
Term
Chat
Definition
A Codex conversation not tied to a project.
Applies to
App
Term
ChatGPT sign-in
Definition
Authentication using a ChatGPT account and workspace permissions.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud
Term
Chronicle
Definition
Opt-in feature that builds memories from recent screen context.
Applies to
App
Term
Cloud
Definition
Mode where Codex works remotely in an OpenAI-managed environment.
Applies to
App, IDE extension, Web
Term
Cloud environment
Definition
Configured container setup used for Codex cloud tasks.
Applies to
Cloud
Term
Cloud task
Definition
A remotely executed Codex task that runs in a cloud environment.
Applies to
Cloud
Term
Cloud thread
Definition
A thread that runs in a Codex cloud environment.
Applies to
Cloud
Term
Codex
Definition
OpenAI's coding agent for software development tasks.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Web, Cloud, SDK
Term
Codex app
Definition
Desktop app for running Codex threads in parallel, with built-in worktree support, automations, and Git functionality.
Applies to
Desktop
Term
Codex app-server
Definition
Local JSON-RPC server for embedding Codex threads, turns, approvals, history, and streamed events in custom clients.
Applies to
App, IDE extension, SDK
Term
Codex CLI
Definition
Terminal client for running Codex interactively or in scripts.
Applies to
Terminal
Term
Codex cloud
Definition
OpenAI-managed execution environment where Codex can work on repository tasks remotely.
Applies to
Web, App, IDE extension
Term
codex exec
Definition
CLI command for running Codex non-interactively from scripts or CI.
Applies to
CLI
Term
Codex IDE extension
Definition
Editor integration for using Codex inside IDEs like VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Cursor, and Windsurf.
Applies to
IDE
Term
Codex SDK
Definition
Programmatic interface for building Codex-powered workflows or integrations.
Applies to
SDK
Term
Codex web
Definition
Browser-based Codex surface for delegating cloud tasks.
Applies to
Browser
Term
Codex-managed worktree
Definition
A temporary worktree Codex creates and manages for a thread.
Applies to
App
Term
Compaction
Definition
Summarizing older context so long-running work can continue.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud
Term
Compliance API
Definition
API for exporting Codex activity and audit metadata.
Applies to
Enterprise
Term
Computer use
Definition
App capability that lets Codex interact with desktop applications through the UI.
Applies to
App
Term
config.toml
Definition
Local Codex configuration files.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Connected host
Definition
Computer or development environment that provides files, tools, and shell access for remote Codex work.
Applies to
App, Mobile
Term
Connector
Definition
App integration that lets Codex access external services. Available through plugins; also called apps.
Applies to
App, Cloud
Term
Container cache
Definition
Saved cloud container state reused to speed up future tasks.
Applies to
Cloud
Term
Context
Definition
Information Codex can use while working, such as files, prior messages, tool output, and instructions.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK
Term
Context window
Definition
The maximum amount of information the model can consider at once.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK
Term
Custom agent
Definition
User-defined agent role with its own instructions and settings.
Applies to
App, CLI
Term
Deny-read rule
Definition
Filesystem permission rule that prevents Codex from reading sensitive paths or glob matches.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Enterprise
Term
Diff
Definition
Set of Git file changes shown for inspection, comments, staging, or reverting.
Applies to
App, Git, Review
Term
Domain allowlist
Definition
Set of domains Codex cloud can reach when agent internet access is enabled.
Applies to
Cloud
Term
Environment (local)
Definition
App configuration to tell Codex how to set up worktrees for a project.
Applies to
App, Worktree
Term
Environment variable
Definition
Runtime configuration value available during task execution.
Applies to
Cloud, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Ephemeral session
Definition
Non-interactive run that skips saving session state after it completes.
Applies to
CLI
Term
Fast mode
Definition
Speed setting that makes supported models respond faster at a higher credit cost.
Applies to
CLI, IDE extension
Term
Filesystem permission
Definition
Permission profile rule that grants or denies read and write access to paths.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Finding
Definition
A notable result or issue surfaced by an automation.
Applies to
App
Term
Full access
Definition
Mode where Codex runs without normal sandbox restrictions.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Git worktree
Definition
A second checkout of the same repository for parallel branch work.
Applies to
App, Git
Term
Handoff
Definition
Moving a thread and its work between Local and Worktree.
Applies to
App
Term
Heartbeat
Definition
A recurring thread wake-up that returns Codex to the same conversation on a schedule. Also called a thread automation.
Applies to
App
Term
Hook
Definition
A lifecycle handler that runs when a Codex event matches, such as tool use, permission requests, or when a turn stops.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Hook event
Definition
Lifecycle point where configured hook handlers can run.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Hunk
Definition
Contiguous section of a diff that can be staged, unstaged, or reverted independently.
Applies to
App, Git, Review
Term
Inline comment
Definition
Line-specific feedback attached to a diff.
Applies to
App
Term
Live web search
Definition
Real-time web lookup for current information.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Local
Definition
Mode where Codex works on the user's computer.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Local thread
Definition
A thread that runs on the user's machine.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Maintenance script
Definition
Optional script run when a cached cloud container resumes.
Applies to
Cloud
Term
Managed configuration
Definition
Organization-controlled Codex defaults and restrictions.
Applies to
Enterprise
Term
MCP
Definition
Model Context Protocol, a standard for connecting Codex to external tools and context.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
MCP resource
Definition
Readable context exposed by an MCP server for Codex to inspect.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
MCP server
Definition
External tool or context provider exposed through MCP.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
MCP tool
Definition
Action exposed by an MCP server that Codex can call during a task.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
MDM
Definition
Mobile device management tooling for distributing device profiles and managed Codex settings.
Applies to
Enterprise
Term
Memories
Definition
Locally stored context Codex can reuse across sessions.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Model
Definition
The AI model Codex uses for reasoning and tool work.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK
Term
Network access
Definition
Permission for commands or environments to reach the internet.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud
Term
Network policy
Definition
Domain-based allow and deny rules that constrain sandboxed outbound network traffic.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Non-interactive mode
Definition
CLI mode for running Codex from scripts or CI.
Applies to
CLI
Term
Output schema
Definition
JSON Schema passed to `codex exec` to constrain the final response.
Applies to
CLI
Term
Permanent worktree
Definition
A long-lived worktree kept as its own project.
Applies to
App
Term
Permission profile
Definition
Named least-privilege policy that combines filesystem and network rules for local command execution.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Plan
Definition
Codex's proposed or tracked steps for completing a task.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud
Term
Plugin
Definition
Installable bundle that can distribute skills, tools, and integrations.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Plugin manifest
Definition
Plugin metadata file that identifies a plugin and points to bundled skills, apps, MCP servers, hooks, and metadata.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Plugins
Term
Prefix rule
Definition
Command-rule pattern that allows, prompts for, or forbids matching command prefixes.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Enterprise
Term
Profile
Definition
Named configuration preset for Codex.
Applies to
CLI, IDE extension
Term
Progressive disclosure
Definition
Loading skill details only when needed to preserve context.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Project
Definition
A selected codebase or folder Codex works in.
Applies to
App
Term
Prompt
Definition
The user instruction or request sent to Codex.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK
Term
Pull request review
Definition
Codex review of changes or feedback on a pull request.
Applies to
App, CLI, GitHub
Term
RBAC
Definition
Role-based access control for workspace permissions.
Applies to
Enterprise
Term
Read-only mode
Definition
Mode where Codex can inspect but not modify without approval.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Reasoning effort
Definition
Setting that controls how much reasoning budget a model uses.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, SDK
Term
Remote connection
Definition
Connection that lets Codex work from another device using a connected host.
Applies to
App, Mobile
Term
requirements.toml
Definition
Admin-enforced requirements file for managed Codex setups.
Applies to
Enterprise
Term
Review pane
Definition
App view for inspecting diffs, comments, and Git changes.
Applies to
App
Term
Rules
Definition
Policies that allow, prompt for, or deny command prefixes or permission exceptions.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Sandbox
Definition
Enforced boundary limiting what Codex commands can access or modify.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Sandbox mode
Definition
Configuration that defines Codex's filesystem and network limits.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Sandbox preset
Definition
SDK shorthand for common sandbox policies such as read-only, workspace-write, or full access.
Applies to
SDK
Term
Schedule
Definition
The timing rule for an automation.
Applies to
App
Term
Secret
Definition
Encrypted value available to setup scripts but removed before the agent phase.
Applies to
Cloud
Term
Setup script
Definition
Script run before the agent starts to install dependencies or prepare tools.
Applies to
App worktrees
Term
Skill
Definition
Reusable workflow package with instructions and optional scripts or references.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Skill invocation
Definition
Explicit or implicit activation of a skill.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Slash command
Definition
Command entered with a leading slash to control or inspect a Codex CLI session.
Applies to
CLI
Term
Standalone automation
Definition
Independent scheduled run that reports separate findings.
Applies to
App
Term
STDIO MCP server
Definition
MCP server launched as a local process by a configured command and arguments.
Applies to
CLI, IDE extension
Term
Streamable HTTP MCP server
Definition
MCP server reached over HTTP, optionally with bearer token or OAuth authentication.
Applies to
CLI, IDE extension
Term
Subagent
Definition
Specialized child agent spawned to work on part of a task.
Applies to
App, CLI
Term
Subagent workflow
Definition
Workflow where Codex runs delegated agents in parallel and combines their results.
Applies to
App, CLI
Term
Task
Definition
The unit of work Codex is asked to complete.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK
Term
Thread
Definition
A single Codex session containing prompts, model output, and tool activity.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK
Term
Thread automation
Definition
Recurring wake-up attached to an existing thread. Also called a heartbeat.
Applies to
App
Term
Thread fork
Definition
New thread branched from the stored history of an existing thread.
Applies to
App-server, SDK
Term
Turn
Definition
One exchange in a thread, usually a user prompt plus Codex's response and actions.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK
Term
Universal image
Definition
Default Codex cloud container image with common tools preinstalled.
Applies to
Cloud
Term
Web search cache
Definition
Pre-indexed search results Codex can use without live browsing.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension
Term
Worktree
Definition
Mode where Codex isolates changes in a separate Git worktree.
Applies to
App
Term
Writable roots
Definition
Directories Codex is allowed to modify.
Applies to
App, CLI, IDE extension