Glossary
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.
111 terms
| Term | Definition | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Action | An operation performed by a person, ChatGPT, or Codex, such as editing a file, running a command, or using a connected service. | Desktop app, Web, Mobile, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| Agent | The Codex agent that reasons over context, uses tools, and completes a task. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| AGENTS.md | Repository or user guidance file that gives Codex persistent instructions. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| Analytics dashboard | Admin hub for ChatGPT workspace adoption and Codex-focused reporting. | Enterprise |
| API key sign-in | Authentication using an OpenAI API key. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Approval policy | Rules for when Codex must ask before taking an action. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Approval request | Codex asking to allow a restricted action. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Apps (configuration) | Codex configuration and app-server fields that store connector settings under the `apps` name. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Appshot | Snapshot of the frontmost app window sent to a ChatGPT or Codex chat. | Desktop app |
| Auth cache | Locally stored login credentials reused by Codex. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Automatic approval review | Model-based review of eligible approval requests before they proceed. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Scheduled task | A prompt ChatGPT runs at a future time or on a recurring schedule, with its own settings and run history. | Desktop app, Web |
| Scheduled run | One execution of a scheduled task, including its status and any resulting findings. | Desktop app, Web |
| Computer Use in the browser | Capability that lets ChatGPT operate the built-in browser directly. | Desktop app |
| Chat | A saved space for exchanging messages with ChatGPT or Codex, including shared context, results, and actions. Quick chat starts a ChatGPT chat from Codex. | Desktop app, Web, Mobile, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| ChatGPT sign-in | Authentication using a ChatGPT account and workspace permissions. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| Computer History | Opt-in macOS feature that builds memories and a timeline from interaction events across allowed apps and websites. | Desktop app |
| Codex Cloud | Coding tasks that run in the cloud with their own workspaces, repositories, and tools. | Desktop app, IDE extension, Web |
| Cloud environment | Reusable repositories, dependencies, tools, and access settings for tasks in Codex Cloud. | Cloud |
| Cloud chat | A Codex chat that runs remotely in a cloud environment. | Cloud |
| Codex | OpenAI's coding agent for software development tasks. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Web, Cloud, SDK |
| ChatGPT desktop app | Desktop app with ChatGPT and Codex, including Chat and Work, projects, file previews, scheduled tasks, and developer tools. | Desktop |
| Codex app-server | Local JSON-RPC server for embedding Codex threads, turns, approvals, history, and streamed events in custom clients. | Desktop app, IDE extension, SDK |
| Codex CLI | Terminal client for running Codex interactively or in scripts. | Terminal |
| codex exec | CLI command for running Codex non-interactively from scripts or CI. | CLI |
| Codex IDE extension | Editor integration for using Codex inside IDEs like VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, Cursor, and Windsurf. | IDE |
| Codex SDK | Programmatic interface for building Codex-powered workflows or integrations. | SDK |
| Codex-managed worktree | A temporary worktree Codex creates and manages for a chat. | Desktop app |
| Compaction | Summarizing older context so long-running work can continue. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| Compliance API | API for exporting supported ChatGPT workspace records and audit metadata. | Enterprise |
| Computer Use | Desktop capability that lets ChatGPT interact with other applications through the UI. | Desktop app |
| config.toml | Local Codex configuration files. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Connected host | Computer or development environment that provides files, tools, and shell access for ChatGPT or Codex chats opened through remote connections. | Desktop app, Mobile |
| Connector | A component of a plugin that connects ChatGPT or Codex to data and actions in an external service. | Desktop app (ChatGPT Work, Codex), Web (ChatGPT Work) |
| Conversation | The ongoing exchange of messages and shared context between a person and ChatGPT or Codex within a chat. | Desktop app, Web, Mobile, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| Context | Information Codex can use while working, such as files, prior messages, tool output, and instructions. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK |
| Context window | The maximum amount of information the model can consider at once. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK |
| Custom agent | User-defined agent role with its own instructions and settings. | Desktop app, CLI |
| Deny-read rule | Filesystem permission rule that prevents Codex from reading sensitive paths or glob matches. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Enterprise |
| Diff | Set of Git file changes shown for inspection, comments, staging, or reverting. | Desktop app, Git, Review |
| Domain allowlist | Set of domains allowed by a Codex Cloud environment’s network policy. | Cloud |
| Environment (local) | Desktop app configuration that tells Codex how to set up worktrees for a project. | Desktop app, Worktree |
| Environment variable | Runtime configuration value available during task execution. | Cloud, CLI, IDE extension |
| Ephemeral session | Non-interactive run that skips saving session state after it completes. | CLI |
| Fast mode | Speed setting that makes supported models respond faster at a higher credit cost. | CLI, IDE extension |
| Filesystem permission | Permission profile rule that grants or denies read and write access to paths. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Finding | A notable result or issue surfaced by a scheduled task. | Desktop app |
| Full access | Mode where Codex runs without normal sandbox restrictions. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Git worktree | A second checkout of the same repository for parallel branch work. | Desktop app, Git |
| Handoff | Moving a chat and its work between Local and Worktree. | Desktop app |
| Heartbeat | A recurring scheduled task that returns ChatGPT to the same chat. | Desktop app |
| Hook | A lifecycle handler that runs when a Codex event matches, such as tool use, permission requests, or when a turn stops. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Hook event | Lifecycle point where configured hook handlers can run. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Hunk | Contiguous section of a diff that can be staged, unstaged, or reverted independently. | Desktop app, Git, Review |
| Inline comment | Line-specific feedback attached to a diff. | Desktop app |
| Live web search | Real-time web lookup for current information. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Local | Mode where Codex works on the user's computer. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Local chat | A ChatGPT or Codex chat that runs on the user's machine. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Managed configuration | Organization-controlled Codex defaults and restrictions. | Enterprise |
| MCP | Model Context Protocol, a standard for connecting Codex to external tools and context. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| MCP resource | Readable context exposed by an MCP server for Codex to inspect. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| MCP server | External tool or context provider exposed through MCP. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| MCP tool | Action exposed by an MCP server that Codex can call during a task. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| MDM | Mobile device management tooling for distributing device profiles and managed Codex settings. | Enterprise |
| Memories | Locally stored context Codex can reuse across sessions. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Model | The AI model Codex uses for reasoning and tool work. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK |
| Network access | Permission for commands or environments to reach the internet. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| Network policy | Domain-based allow and deny rules that constrain sandboxed outbound network traffic. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Non-interactive mode | CLI mode for running Codex from scripts or CI. | CLI |
| Output schema | JSON Schema passed to `codex exec` to constrain the final response. | CLI |
| Permission profile | Named least-privilege policy that combines filesystem and network rules for local command execution. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Plan | Codex's proposed or tracked steps for completing a task. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| Plugin | An installable bundle of capabilities, such as skills, connectors, and tools, distributed through the universal directory shared by ChatGPT and Codex. | Desktop app (ChatGPT Work, Codex), Web (ChatGPT Work), CLI |
| Plugin manifest | Plugin metadata file that identifies a plugin and points to bundled skills, connector mappings, MCP servers, hooks, and metadata. | Plugin authoring |
| Prefix rule | Command-rule pattern that allows, prompts for, or forbids matching command prefixes. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Enterprise |
| Profile | Named configuration preset for Codex. | CLI, IDE extension |
| Progressive disclosure | Loading skill details only when needed to preserve context. | Desktop app, Web (ChatGPT Work), CLI, IDE extension |
| Project | A group of related chats and shared sources, or a local folder used for file-based work. | Desktop app |
| Prompt | A question, instruction, or goal sent to ChatGPT or Codex. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK |
| Pull request review | Codex review of changes or feedback on a pull request. | Desktop app, CLI, GitHub |
| RBAC | Role-based access control for workspace permissions. | Enterprise |
| Read-only mode | Mode where Codex can inspect but not modify without approval. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Reasoning effort | Setting that controls how much reasoning budget a model uses. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, SDK |
| Remote connection | Connection that lets you access ChatGPT or Codex chats on another device through a connected host. | Desktop app, Mobile |
| requirements.toml | Admin-enforced requirements file for managed Codex setups. | Enterprise |
| Review pane | Desktop app view for inspecting diffs, comments, and Git changes. | Desktop app |
| Rules | Policies that allow, prompt for, or deny command prefixes or permission exceptions. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Sandbox | Enforced boundary limiting what Codex commands can access or modify. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Sandbox mode | Configuration that defines Codex's filesystem and network limits. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| Sandbox preset | SDK shorthand for common sandbox policies such as read-only, workspace-write, or full access. | SDK |
| Schedule | The timing rule for a scheduled task. | Desktop app |
| Network secret | A credential for a specific HTTPS service. Programs receive a placeholder; the proxy substitutes the credential for allowed destinations during setup and tasks. | Codex Cloud |
| Setup script | Script run before the agent starts to install dependencies or prepare tools. | Desktop app worktrees |
| Skill | Reusable workflow package with instructions and optional scripts or references. | Desktop app, Web (ChatGPT Work), CLI, IDE extension |
| Skill invocation | Explicit or implicit activation of a skill. | Desktop app, Web (ChatGPT Work), CLI, IDE extension |
| Slash command | Command entered with a leading slash to control or inspect a Codex CLI session. | CLI |
| Standalone scheduled task | Scheduled task whose runs each start a new chat and report findings in Triage. | Desktop app, Web |
| STDIO MCP server | MCP server launched as a local process by a configured command and arguments. | CLI, IDE extension |
| Streamable HTTP MCP server | MCP server reached over HTTP, optionally with bearer token or OAuth authentication. | CLI, IDE extension |
| Subagent | Specialized child agent spawned to work on part of a task. | Desktop app, CLI |
| Subagent workflow | Workflow where Codex runs delegated agents in parallel and combines their results. | Desktop app, CLI |
| Standalone task | A Codex task that isn't grouped within a project. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| Task | A defined outcome ChatGPT or Codex works toward, such as fixing a bug, creating a document, or researching a topic. | Desktop app, Web, Mobile, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud |
| Thread | A technical object in Codex app-server APIs that contains turns and stored conversation history. | App-server, SDK |
| Scheduled task in a chat | A scheduled task that uses an existing chat's context and returns each run's results to that chat. | Desktop app, Web |
| Thread fork | New thread branched from the stored history of an existing thread. | App-server, SDK |
| Turn | One exchange in a chat, usually a user prompt plus the agent's response and actions. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, Cloud, SDK |
| Web search cache | Pre-indexed search results Codex can use without live browsing. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |
| ChatGPT Work | The agent in ChatGPT for research, analysis, and creating documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and other finished work. | Desktop app, Web |
| Worktree | Mode where Codex isolates changes in a separate Git worktree. | Desktop app |
| Writable roots | Directories Codex is allowed to modify. | Desktop app, CLI, IDE extension |