app-server.md Codex Docs, 2026-02-19 20:37 UTC → 2026-04-15 06:44 UTC

1# Codex App Server1# Codex App Server

2 2 

3Embed Codex into your product with the app-server protocol

4 

5Codex app-server is the interface Codex uses to power rich clients (for example, the Codex VS Code extension). Use it when you want a deep integration inside your own product: authentication, conversation history, approvals, and streamed agent events. The app-server implementation is open source in the Codex GitHub repository ([openai/codex/codex-rs/app-server](https://github.com/openai/codex/tree/main/codex-rs/app-server)). See the [Open Source](https://developers.openai.com/codex/open-source) page for the full list of open-source Codex components.3Codex app-server is the interface Codex uses to power rich clients (for example, the Codex VS Code extension). Use it when you want a deep integration inside your own product: authentication, conversation history, approvals, and streamed agent events. The app-server implementation is open source in the Codex GitHub repository ([openai/codex/codex-rs/app-server](https://github.com/openai/codex/tree/main/codex-rs/app-server)). See the [Open Source](https://developers.openai.com/codex/open-source) page for the full list of open-source Codex components.

6 4 

7If you are automating jobs or running Codex in CI, use the5If you are automating jobs or running Codex in CI, use the

23Requests include `method`, `params`, and `id`:21Requests include `method`, `params`, and `id`:

24 22 

25```json23```json

26{ "method": "thread/start", "id": 10, "params": { "model": "gpt-5.1-codex" } }24{ "method": "thread/start", "id": 10, "params": { "model": "gpt-5.4" } }

27```25```

28 26 

29Responses echo the `id` with either `result` or `error`:27Responses echo the `id` with either `result` or `error`:

101 },99 },

102});100});

103send({ method: "initialized", params: {} });101send({ method: "initialized", params: {} });

104send({ method: "thread/start", id: 1, params: { model: "gpt-5.1-codex" } });102send({ method: "thread/start", id: 1, params: { model: "gpt-5.4" } });

105```103```

106 104 

107## Core primitives105## Core primitives

118- **Start (or resume) a thread**: Call `thread/start` for a new conversation, `thread/resume` to continue an existing one, or `thread/fork` to branch history into a new thread id.116- **Start (or resume) a thread**: Call `thread/start` for a new conversation, `thread/resume` to continue an existing one, or `thread/fork` to branch history into a new thread id.

119- **Begin a turn**: Call `turn/start` with the target `threadId` and user input. Optional fields override model, personality, `cwd`, sandbox policy, and more.117- **Begin a turn**: Call `turn/start` with the target `threadId` and user input. Optional fields override model, personality, `cwd`, sandbox policy, and more.

120- **Steer an active turn**: Call `turn/steer` to append user input to the currently in-flight turn without creating a new turn.118- **Steer an active turn**: Call `turn/steer` to append user input to the currently in-flight turn without creating a new turn.

121- **Stream events**: After `turn/start`, keep reading notifications on stdout: `item/started`, `item/completed`, `item/agentMessage/delta`, tool progress, and other updates.119- **Stream events**: After `turn/start`, keep reading notifications on stdout: `thread/archived`, `thread/unarchived`, `item/started`, `item/completed`, `item/agentMessage/delta`, tool progress, and other updates.

122- **Finish the turn**: The server emits `turn/completed` with final status when the model finishes or after a `turn/interrupt` cancellation.120- **Finish the turn**: The server emits `turn/completed` with final status when the model finishes or after a `turn/interrupt` cancellation.

123 121 

124## Initialization122## Initialization

125 123 

126Clients must send a single `initialize` request per transport connection before invoking any other method on that connection, then acknowledge with an `initialized` notification. Requests sent before initialization receive a `Not initialized` error, and repeated `initialize` calls on the same connection return `Already initialized`.124Clients must send a single `initialize` request per transport connection before invoking any other method on that connection, then acknowledge with an `initialized` notification. Requests sent before initialization receive a `Not initialized` error, and repeated `initialize` calls on the same connection return `Already initialized`.

127 125 

128The server returns the user agent string it will present to upstream services. Set `clientInfo` to identify your integration.126The server returns the user agent string it will present to upstream services plus `platformFamily` and `platformOs` values that describe the runtime target. Set `clientInfo` to identify your integration.

129 127 

130`initialize.params.capabilities` also supports per-connection notification opt-out via `optOutNotificationMethods`, which is a list of exact method names to suppress for that connection. Matching is exact (no wildcards/prefixes). Unknown method names are accepted and ignored.128`initialize.params.capabilities` also supports per-connection notification opt-out via `optOutNotificationMethods`, which is a list of exact method names to suppress for that connection. Matching is exact (no wildcards/prefixes). Unknown method names are accepted and ignored.

131 129 

161 },159 },

162 "capabilities": {160 "capabilities": {

163 "experimentalApi": true,161 "experimentalApi": true,

164 "optOutNotificationMethods": [162 "optOutNotificationMethods": ["thread/started", "item/agentMessage/delta"]

165 "codex/event/session_configured",

166 "item/agentMessage/delta"

167 ]

168 }163 }

169 }164 }

170}165}

203- `thread/start` - create a new thread; emits `thread/started` and automatically subscribes you to turn/item events for that thread.198- `thread/start` - create a new thread; emits `thread/started` and automatically subscribes you to turn/item events for that thread.

204- `thread/resume` - reopen an existing thread by id so later `turn/start` calls append to it.199- `thread/resume` - reopen an existing thread by id so later `turn/start` calls append to it.

205- `thread/fork` - fork a thread into a new thread id by copying stored history; emits `thread/started` for the new thread.200- `thread/fork` - fork a thread into a new thread id by copying stored history; emits `thread/started` for the new thread.

206- `thread/read` - read a stored thread by id without resuming it; set `includeTurns` to return full turn history.201- `thread/read` - read a stored thread by id without resuming it; set `includeTurns` to return full turn history. Returned `thread` objects include runtime `status`.

207- `thread/list` - page through stored thread logs; supports cursor-based pagination plus `modelProviders`, `sourceKinds`, `archived`, and `cwd` filters.202- `thread/list` - page through stored thread logs; supports cursor-based pagination plus `modelProviders`, `sourceKinds`, `archived`, and `cwd` filters. Returned `thread` objects include runtime `status`.

208- `thread/loaded/list` - list the thread ids currently loaded in memory.203- `thread/loaded/list` - list the thread ids currently loaded in memory.

209- `thread/archive` - move a thread’s log file into the archived directory; returns `{}` on success.204- `thread/name/set` - set or update a thread's user-facing name for a loaded thread or a persisted rollout; emits `thread/name/updated`.

210- `thread/unarchive` - restore an archived thread rollout back into the active sessions directory; returns the restored `thread`.205- `thread/archive` - move a thread's log file into the archived directory; returns `{}` on success and emits `thread/archived`.

206- `thread/unsubscribe` - unsubscribe this connection from thread turn/item events. If this was the last subscriber, the server unloads the thread and emits `thread/closed`.

207- `thread/unarchive` - restore an archived thread rollout back into the active sessions directory; returns the restored `thread` and emits `thread/unarchived`.

208- `thread/status/changed` - notification emitted when a loaded thread's runtime `status` changes.

211- `thread/compact/start` - trigger conversation history compaction for a thread; returns `{}` immediately while progress streams via `turn/*` and `item/*` notifications.209- `thread/compact/start` - trigger conversation history compaction for a thread; returns `{}` immediately while progress streams via `turn/*` and `item/*` notifications.

210- `thread/shellCommand` - run a user-initiated shell command against a thread. This runs outside the sandbox with full access and doesn't inherit the thread sandbox policy.

211- `thread/backgroundTerminals/clean` - stop all running background terminals for a thread (experimental; requires `capabilities.experimentalApi`).

212- `thread/rollback` - drop the last N turns from the in-memory context and persist a rollback marker; returns the updated `thread`.212- `thread/rollback` - drop the last N turns from the in-memory context and persist a rollback marker; returns the updated `thread`.

213- `turn/start` - add user input to a thread and begin Codex generation; responds with the initial `turn` and streams events. For `collaborationMode`, `settings.developer_instructions: null` means "use built-in instructions for the selected mode."213- `turn/start` - add user input to a thread and begin Codex generation; responds with the initial `turn` and streams events. For `collaborationMode`, `settings.developer_instructions: null` means "use built-in instructions for the selected mode."

214- `turn/steer` - append user input to the active in-flight turn for a thread; returns the accepted `turnId`.214- `turn/steer` - append user input to the active in-flight turn for a thread; returns the accepted `turnId`.

215- `turn/interrupt` - request cancellation of an in-flight turn; success is `{}` and the turn ends with `status: "interrupted"`.215- `turn/interrupt` - request cancellation of an in-flight turn; success is `{}` and the turn ends with `status: "interrupted"`.

216- `review/start` - kick off the Codex reviewer for a thread; emits `enteredReviewMode` and `exitedReviewMode` items.216- `review/start` - kick off the Codex reviewer for a thread; emits `enteredReviewMode` and `exitedReviewMode` items.

217- `command/exec` - run a single command under the server sandbox without starting a thread/turn.217- `command/exec` - run a single command under the server sandbox without starting a thread/turn.

218- `command/exec/write` - write `stdin` bytes to a running `command/exec` session or close `stdin`.

219- `command/exec/resize` - resize a running PTY-backed `command/exec` session.

220- `command/exec/terminate` - stop a running `command/exec` session.

218- `model/list` - list available models (set `includeHidden: true` to include entries with `hidden: true`) with effort options, optional `upgrade`, and `inputModalities`.221- `model/list` - list available models (set `includeHidden: true` to include entries with `hidden: true`) with effort options, optional `upgrade`, and `inputModalities`.

219- `experimentalFeature/list` - list feature flags with lifecycle stage metadata and cursor pagination.222- `experimentalFeature/list` - list feature flags with lifecycle stage metadata and cursor pagination.

220- `collaborationMode/list` - list collaboration mode presets (experimental, no pagination).223- `collaborationMode/list` - list collaboration mode presets (experimental, no pagination).

221- `skills/list` - list skills for one or more `cwd` values (supports `forceReload` and optional `perCwdExtraUserRoots`).224- `skills/list` - list skills for one or more `cwd` values (supports `forceReload` and optional `perCwdExtraUserRoots`).

225- `plugin/list` - list discovered plugin marketplaces and plugin state, including install/auth policy metadata, marketplace errors, featured plugin ids, and the development-only `forceRemoteSync` option.

226- `plugin/read` - read one plugin by marketplace path and plugin name, including bundled skills, apps, and MCP server names.

227- `plugin/install` - install a plugin from a marketplace path.

228- `plugin/uninstall` - uninstall an installed plugin.

222- `app/list` - list available apps (connectors) with pagination plus accessibility/enabled metadata.229- `app/list` - list available apps (connectors) with pagination plus accessibility/enabled metadata.

223- `skills/config/write` - enable or disable skills by path.230- `skills/config/write` - enable or disable skills by path.

224- `mcpServer/oauth/login` - start an OAuth login for a configured MCP server; returns an authorization URL and emits `mcpServer/oauthLogin/completed` on completion.231- `mcpServer/oauth/login` - start an OAuth login for a configured MCP server; returns an authorization URL and emits `mcpServer/oauthLogin/completed` on completion.

225- `tool/requestUserInput` - prompt the user with 1-3 short questions for a tool call (experimental); questions can set `isOther` for a free-form option.232- `tool/requestUserInput` - prompt the user with 1-3 short questions for a tool call (experimental); questions can set `isOther` for a free-form option.

226- `config/mcpServer/reload` - reload MCP server configuration from disk and queue a refresh for loaded threads.233- `config/mcpServer/reload` - reload MCP server configuration from disk and queue a refresh for loaded threads.

227- `mcpServerStatus/list` - list MCP servers, tools, resources, and auth status (cursor + limit pagination).234- `mcpServerStatus/list` - list MCP servers, tools, resources, and auth status (cursor + limit pagination). Use `detail: "full"` for full data or `detail: "toolsAndAuthOnly"` to omit resources.

228- `feedback/upload` - submit a feedback report (classification + optional reason/logs + conversation id).235- `mcpServer/resource/read` - read a single MCP resource through an initialized MCP server.

236- `windowsSandbox/setupStart` - start Windows sandbox setup for `elevated` or `unelevated` mode; returns quickly and later emits `windowsSandbox/setupCompleted`.

237- `feedback/upload` - submit a feedback report (classification + optional reason/logs + conversation id, plus optional `extraLogFiles` attachments).

229- `config/read` - fetch the effective configuration on disk after resolving configuration layering.238- `config/read` - fetch the effective configuration on disk after resolving configuration layering.

239- `externalAgentConfig/detect` - detect external-agent artifacts that can be migrated with `includeHome` and optional `cwds`; each detected item includes `cwd` (`null` for home).

240- `externalAgentConfig/import` - apply selected external-agent migration items by passing explicit `migrationItems` with `cwd` (`null` for home).

230- `config/value/write` - write a single configuration key/value to the user's `config.toml` on disk.241- `config/value/write` - write a single configuration key/value to the user's `config.toml` on disk.

231- `config/batchWrite` - apply configuration edits atomically to the user's `config.toml` on disk.242- `config/batchWrite` - apply configuration edits atomically to the user's `config.toml` on disk.

232- `configRequirements/read` - fetch requirements from `requirements.toml` and/or MDM, including allow-lists and residency requirements (or `null` if you haven’t set any up).243- `configRequirements/read` - fetch requirements from `requirements.toml` and/or MDM, including allow-lists, pinned `featureRequirements`, and residency/network requirements (or `null` if you haven't set any up).

244- `fs/readFile`, `fs/writeFile`, `fs/createDirectory`, `fs/getMetadata`, `fs/readDirectory`, `fs/remove`, and `fs/copy` - operate on absolute filesystem paths through the app-server v2 filesystem API.

233 245 

234## Models246## Models

235 247 

241{ "method": "model/list", "id": 6, "params": { "limit": 20, "includeHidden": false } }253{ "method": "model/list", "id": 6, "params": { "limit": 20, "includeHidden": false } }

242{ "id": 6, "result": {254{ "id": 6, "result": {

243 "data": [{255 "data": [{

244 "id": "gpt-5.2-codex",256 "id": "gpt-5.4",

245 "model": "gpt-5.2-codex",257 "model": "gpt-5.4",

246 "upgrade": "gpt-5.3-codex",258 "displayName": "GPT-5.4",

247 "displayName": "GPT-5.2 Codex",

248 "hidden": false,259 "hidden": false,

249 "defaultReasoningEffort": "medium",260 "defaultReasoningEffort": "medium",

250 "reasoningEffort": [{261 "supportedReasoningEfforts": [{

251 "effort": "low",262 "reasoningEffort": "low",

252 "description": "Lower latency"263 "description": "Lower latency"

253 }],264 }],

254 "inputModalities": ["text", "image"],265 "inputModalities": ["text", "image"],

261 272 

262Each model entry can include:273Each model entry can include:

263 274 

264- `reasoningEffort` - supported effort options for the model.275- `supportedReasoningEfforts` - supported effort options for the model.

265- `defaultReasoningEffort` - suggested default effort for clients.276- `defaultReasoningEffort` - suggested default effort for clients.

266- `upgrade` - optional recommended upgrade model id for migration prompts in clients.277- `upgrade` - optional recommended upgrade model id for migration prompts in clients.

278- `upgradeInfo` - optional upgrade metadata for migration prompts in clients.

267- `hidden` - whether the model is hidden from the default picker list.279- `hidden` - whether the model is hidden from the default picker list.

268- `inputModalities` - supported input types for the model (for example `text`, `image`).280- `inputModalities` - supported input types for the model (for example `text`, `image`).

269- `supportsPersonality` - whether the model supports personality-specific instructions such as `/personality`.281- `supportsPersonality` - whether the model supports personality-specific instructions such as `/personality`.

301- `thread/list` supports cursor pagination plus `modelProviders`, `sourceKinds`, `archived`, and `cwd` filtering.313- `thread/list` supports cursor pagination plus `modelProviders`, `sourceKinds`, `archived`, and `cwd` filtering.

302- `thread/loaded/list` returns the thread IDs currently in memory.314- `thread/loaded/list` returns the thread IDs currently in memory.

303- `thread/archive` moves the thread's persisted JSONL log into the archived directory.315- `thread/archive` moves the thread's persisted JSONL log into the archived directory.

316- `thread/unsubscribe` unsubscribes the current connection from a loaded thread and can trigger `thread/closed`.

304- `thread/unarchive` restores an archived thread rollout back into the active sessions directory.317- `thread/unarchive` restores an archived thread rollout back into the active sessions directory.

305- `thread/compact/start` triggers compaction and returns `{}` immediately.318- `thread/compact/start` triggers compaction and returns `{}` immediately.

306- `thread/rollback` drops the last N turns from the in-memory context and records a rollback marker in the thread's persisted JSONL log.319- `thread/rollback` drops the last N turns from the in-memory context and records a rollback marker in the thread's persisted JSONL log.

311 324 

312```json325```json

313{ "method": "thread/start", "id": 10, "params": {326{ "method": "thread/start", "id": 10, "params": {

314 "model": "gpt-5.1-codex",327 "model": "gpt-5.4",

315 "cwd": "/Users/me/project",328 "cwd": "/Users/me/project",

316 "approvalPolicy": "never",329 "approvalPolicy": "never",

317 "sandbox": "workspaceWrite",330 "sandbox": "workspaceWrite",

318 "personality": "friendly"331 "personality": "friendly",

332 "serviceName": "my_app_server_client"

319} }333} }

320{ "id": 10, "result": {334{ "id": 10, "result": {

321 "thread": {335 "thread": {

322 "id": "thr_123",336 "id": "thr_123",

323 "preview": "",337 "preview": "",

338 "ephemeral": false,

324 "modelProvider": "openai",339 "modelProvider": "openai",

325 "createdAt": 1730910000340 "createdAt": 1730910000

326 }341 }

328{ "method": "thread/started", "params": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123" } } }343{ "method": "thread/started", "params": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123" } } }

329```344```

330 345 

346`serviceName` is optional. Set it when you want app-server to tag thread-level metrics with your integration's service name.

347 

331To continue a stored session, call `thread/resume` with the `thread.id` you recorded earlier. The response shape matches `thread/start`. You can also pass the same configuration overrides supported by `thread/start`, such as `personality`:348To continue a stored session, call `thread/resume` with the `thread.id` you recorded earlier. The response shape matches `thread/start`. You can also pass the same configuration overrides supported by `thread/start`, such as `personality`:

332 349 

333```json350```json

335 "threadId": "thr_123",352 "threadId": "thr_123",

336 "personality": "friendly"353 "personality": "friendly"

337} }354} }

338{ "id": 11, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123" } } }355{ "id": 11, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123", "name": "Bug bash notes", "ephemeral": false } } }

339```356```

340 357 

341Resuming a thread doesn't update `thread.updatedAt` (or the rollout file's modified time) by itself. The timestamp updates when you start a turn.358Resuming a thread doesn't update `thread.updatedAt` (or the rollout file's modified time) by itself. The timestamp updates when you start a turn.

354{ "method": "thread/started", "params": { "thread": { "id": "thr_456" } } }371{ "method": "thread/started", "params": { "thread": { "id": "thr_456" } } }

355```372```

356 373 

374When a user-facing thread title has been set, app-server hydrates `thread.name` on `thread/list`, `thread/read`, `thread/resume`, `thread/unarchive`, and `thread/rollback` responses. `thread/start` and `thread/fork` may omit `name` (or return `null`) until a title is set later.

375 

357### Read a stored thread (without resuming)376### Read a stored thread (without resuming)

358 377 

359Use `thread/read` when you want stored thread data but don't want to resume the thread or subscribe to its events.378Use `thread/read` when you want stored thread data but don't want to resume the thread or subscribe to its events.

360 379 

361- `includeTurns` - when `true`, the response includes the thread's turns; when `false` or omitted, you get the thread summary only.380- `includeTurns` - when `true`, the response includes the thread's turns; when `false` or omitted, you get the thread summary only.

381- Returned `thread` objects include runtime `status` (`notLoaded`, `idle`, `systemError`, or `active` with `activeFlags`).

362 382 

363```json383```json

364{ "method": "thread/read", "id": 19, "params": { "threadId": "thr_123", "includeTurns": true } }384{ "method": "thread/read", "id": 19, "params": { "threadId": "thr_123", "includeTurns": true } }

365{ "id": 19, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123", "turns": [] } } }385{ "id": 19, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123", "name": "Bug bash notes", "ephemeral": false, "status": { "type": "notLoaded" }, "turns": [] } } }

366```386```

367 387 

368Unlike `thread/resume`, `thread/read` doesn't load the thread into memory or emit `thread/started`.388Unlike `thread/resume`, `thread/read` doesn't load the thread into memory or emit `thread/started`.

402} }422} }

403{ "id": 20, "result": {423{ "id": 20, "result": {

404 "data": [424 "data": [

405 { "id": "thr_a", "preview": "Create a TUI", "modelProvider": "openai", "createdAt": 1730831111, "updatedAt": 1730831111 },425 { "id": "thr_a", "preview": "Create a TUI", "ephemeral": false, "modelProvider": "openai", "createdAt": 1730831111, "updatedAt": 1730831111, "name": "TUI prototype", "status": { "type": "notLoaded" } },

406 { "id": "thr_b", "preview": "Fix tests", "modelProvider": "openai", "createdAt": 1730750000, "updatedAt": 1730750000 }426 { "id": "thr_b", "preview": "Fix tests", "ephemeral": true, "modelProvider": "openai", "createdAt": 1730750000, "updatedAt": 1730750000, "status": { "type": "notLoaded" } }

407 ],427 ],

408 "nextCursor": "opaque-token-or-null"428 "nextCursor": "opaque-token-or-null"

409} }429} }

411 431 

412When `nextCursor` is `null`, you have reached the final page.432When `nextCursor` is `null`, you have reached the final page.

413 433 

434### Track thread status changes

435 

436`thread/status/changed` is emitted whenever a loaded thread's runtime status changes. The payload includes `threadId` and the new `status`.

437 

438```json

439{

440 "method": "thread/status/changed",

441 "params": {

442 "threadId": "thr_123",

443 "status": { "type": "active", "activeFlags": ["waitingOnApproval"] }

444 }

445}

446```

447 

414### List loaded threads448### List loaded threads

415 449 

416`thread/loaded/list` returns thread IDs currently loaded in memory.450`thread/loaded/list` returns thread IDs currently loaded in memory.

420{ "id": 21, "result": { "data": ["thr_123", "thr_456"] } }454{ "id": 21, "result": { "data": ["thr_123", "thr_456"] } }

421```455```

422 456 

457### Unsubscribe from a loaded thread

458 

459`thread/unsubscribe` removes the current connection's subscription to a thread. The response status is one of:

460 

461- `unsubscribed` when the connection was subscribed and is now removed.

462- `notSubscribed` when the connection wasn't subscribed to that thread.

463- `notLoaded` when the thread isn't loaded.

464 

465If this was the last subscriber, the server unloads the thread and emits a `thread/status/changed` transition to `notLoaded` plus `thread/closed`.

466 

467```json

468{ "method": "thread/unsubscribe", "id": 22, "params": { "threadId": "thr_123" } }

469{ "id": 22, "result": { "status": "unsubscribed" } }

470{ "method": "thread/status/changed", "params": {

471 "threadId": "thr_123",

472 "status": { "type": "notLoaded" }

473} }

474{ "method": "thread/closed", "params": { "threadId": "thr_123" } }

475```

476 

423### Archive a thread477### Archive a thread

424 478 

425Use `thread/archive` to move the persisted thread log (stored as a JSONL file on disk) into the archived sessions directory.479Use `thread/archive` to move the persisted thread log (stored as a JSONL file on disk) into the archived sessions directory.

427```json481```json

428{ "method": "thread/archive", "id": 22, "params": { "threadId": "thr_b" } }482{ "method": "thread/archive", "id": 22, "params": { "threadId": "thr_b" } }

429{ "id": 22, "result": {} }483{ "id": 22, "result": {} }

484{ "method": "thread/archived", "params": { "threadId": "thr_b" } }

430```485```

431 486 

432Archived threads won't appear in future calls to `thread/list` unless you pass `archived: true`.487Archived threads won't appear in future calls to `thread/list` unless you pass `archived: true`.

437 492 

438```json493```json

439{ "method": "thread/unarchive", "id": 24, "params": { "threadId": "thr_b" } }494{ "method": "thread/unarchive", "id": 24, "params": { "threadId": "thr_b" } }

440{ "id": 24, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_b" } } }495{ "id": 24, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_b", "name": "Bug bash notes" } } }

496{ "method": "thread/unarchived", "params": { "threadId": "thr_b" } }

441```497```

442 498 

443### Trigger thread compaction499### Trigger thread compaction

451{ "id": 25, "result": {} }507{ "id": 25, "result": {} }

452```508```

453 509 

510### Run a thread shell command

511 

512Use `thread/shellCommand` for user-initiated shell commands that belong to a thread. The request returns immediately with `{}` while progress streams through standard `turn/*` and `item/*` notifications.

513 

514This API runs outside the sandbox with full access and doesn't inherit the thread sandbox policy. Clients should expose it only for explicit user-initiated commands.

515 

516If the thread already has an active turn, the command runs as an auxiliary action on that turn and its formatted output is injected into the turn's message stream. If the thread is idle, app-server starts a standalone turn for the shell command.

517 

518```json

519{ "method": "thread/shellCommand", "id": 26, "params": { "threadId": "thr_b", "command": "git status --short" } }

520{ "id": 26, "result": {} }

521```

522 

523### Clean background terminals

524 

525Use `thread/backgroundTerminals/clean` to stop all running background terminals associated with a thread. This method is experimental and requires `capabilities.experimentalApi = true`.

526 

527```json

528{ "method": "thread/backgroundTerminals/clean", "id": 27, "params": { "threadId": "thr_b" } }

529{ "id": 27, "result": {} }

530```

531 

532### Roll back recent turns

533 

534Use `thread/rollback` to remove the last `numTurns` entries from the in-memory context and persist a rollback marker in the rollout log. The returned `thread` includes `turns` populated after the rollback.

535 

536```json

537{ "method": "thread/rollback", "id": 28, "params": { "threadId": "thr_b", "numTurns": 1 } }

538{ "id": 28, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_b", "name": "Bug bash notes", "ephemeral": false } } }

539```

540 

454## Turns541## Turns

455 542 

456The `input` field accepts a list of items:543The `input` field accepts a list of items:

480}567}

481```568```

482 569 

570On macOS, `includePlatformDefaults: true` appends a curated platform-default Seatbelt policy for restricted-read sessions. This improves tool compatibility without broadly allowing all of `/System`.

571 

483Examples:572Examples:

484 573 

485```json574```json

512 "writableRoots": ["/Users/me/project"],601 "writableRoots": ["/Users/me/project"],

513 "networkAccess": true602 "networkAccess": true

514 },603 },

515 "model": "gpt-5.1-codex",604 "model": "gpt-5.4",

516 "effort": "medium",605 "effort": "medium",

517 "summary": "concise",606 "summary": "concise",

518 "personality": "friendly",607 "personality": "friendly",

655- The server rejects empty `command` arrays.744- The server rejects empty `command` arrays.

656- `sandboxPolicy` accepts the same shape used by `turn/start` (for example, `dangerFullAccess`, `readOnly`, `workspaceWrite`, `externalSandbox`).745- `sandboxPolicy` accepts the same shape used by `turn/start` (for example, `dangerFullAccess`, `readOnly`, `workspaceWrite`, `externalSandbox`).

657- When omitted, `timeoutMs` falls back to the server default.746- When omitted, `timeoutMs` falls back to the server default.

747- Set `tty: true` for PTY-backed sessions, and use `processId` when you plan to follow up with `command/exec/write`, `command/exec/resize`, or `command/exec/terminate`.

748- Set `streamStdoutStderr: true` to receive `command/exec/outputDelta` notifications while the command is running.

749 

750### Read admin requirements (`configRequirements/read`)

751 

752Use `configRequirements/read` to inspect the effective admin requirements loaded from `requirements.toml` and/or MDM.

753 

754```json

755{ "method": "configRequirements/read", "id": 52, "params": {} }

756{ "id": 52, "result": {

757 "requirements": {

758 "allowedApprovalPolicies": ["onRequest", "unlessTrusted"],

759 "allowedSandboxModes": ["readOnly", "workspaceWrite"],

760 "featureRequirements": {

761 "personality": true,

762 "unified_exec": false

763 },

764 "network": {

765 "enabled": true,

766 "allowedDomains": ["api.openai.com"],

767 "allowUnixSockets": ["/tmp/example.sock"],

768 "dangerouslyAllowAllUnixSockets": false

769 }

770 }

771} }

772```

773 

774`result.requirements` is `null` when no requirements are configured. See the docs on [`requirements.toml`](https://developers.openai.com/codex/config-reference#requirementstoml) for details on supported keys and values.

775 

776### Windows sandbox setup (`windowsSandbox/setupStart`)

777 

778Custom Windows clients can trigger sandbox setup asynchronously instead of blocking on startup checks.

779 

780```json

781{ "method": "windowsSandbox/setupStart", "id": 53, "params": { "mode": "elevated" } }

782{ "id": 53, "result": { "started": true } }

783```

784 

785App-server starts setup in the background and later emits a completion notification:

786 

787```json

788{

789 "method": "windowsSandbox/setupCompleted",

790 "params": { "mode": "elevated", "success": true, "error": null }

791}

792```

793 

794Modes:

795 

796- `elevated` - run the elevated Windows sandbox setup path.

797- `unelevated` - run the legacy setup/preflight path.

658 798 

659## Events799## Events

660 800 

661Event notifications are the server-initiated stream for thread lifecycles, turn lifecycles, and the items within them. After you start or resume a thread, keep reading the active transport stream for `thread/started`, `turn/*`, and `item/*` notifications.801Event notifications are the server-initiated stream for thread lifecycles, turn lifecycles, and the items within them. After you start or resume a thread, keep reading the active transport stream for `thread/started`, `thread/archived`, `thread/unarchived`, `thread/closed`, `thread/status/changed`, `turn/*`, `item/*`, and `serverRequest/resolved` notifications.

662 802 

663### Notification opt-out803### Notification opt-out

664 804 

666 806 

667- Exact-match only: `item/agentMessage/delta` suppresses only that method.807- Exact-match only: `item/agentMessage/delta` suppresses only that method.

668- Unknown method names are ignored.808- Unknown method names are ignored.

669- Applies to both legacy (`codex/event/*`) and v2 (`thread/*`, `turn/*`, `item/*`, etc.) notifications.809- Applies to the current `thread/*`, `turn/*`, `item/*`, and related v2 notifications.

670- Doesn't apply to requests, responses, or errors.810- Doesn't apply to requests, responses, or errors.

671 811 

672### Fuzzy file search events (experimental)812### Fuzzy file search events (experimental)

676- `fuzzyFileSearch/sessionUpdated` - `{ sessionId, query, files }` with the current matches for the active query.816- `fuzzyFileSearch/sessionUpdated` - `{ sessionId, query, files }` with the current matches for the active query.

677- `fuzzyFileSearch/sessionCompleted` - `{ sessionId }` once indexing and matching for that query completes.817- `fuzzyFileSearch/sessionCompleted` - `{ sessionId }` once indexing and matching for that query completes.

678 818 

819### Windows sandbox setup events

820 

821- `windowsSandbox/setupCompleted` - `{ mode, success, error }` emitted after a `windowsSandbox/setupStart` request finishes.

822 

679### Turn events823### Turn events

680 824 

681- `turn/started` - `{ turn }` with the turn id, empty `items`, and `status: "inProgress"`.825- `turn/started` - `{ turn }` with the turn id, empty `items`, and `status: "inProgress"`.

691`ThreadItem` is the tagged union carried in turn responses and `item/*` notifications. Common item types include:835`ThreadItem` is the tagged union carried in turn responses and `item/*` notifications. Common item types include:

692 836 

693- `userMessage` - `{id, content}` where `content` is a list of user inputs (`text`, `image`, or `localImage`).837- `userMessage` - `{id, content}` where `content` is a list of user inputs (`text`, `image`, or `localImage`).

694- `agentMessage` - `{id, text}` containing the accumulated agent reply.838- `agentMessage` - `{id, text, phase?}` containing the accumulated agent reply. When present, `phase` uses Responses API wire values (`commentary`, `final_answer`).

695- `plan` - `{id, text}` containing proposed plan text in plan mode. Treat the final `plan` item from `item/completed` as authoritative.839- `plan` - `{id, text}` containing proposed plan text in plan mode. Treat the final `plan` item from `item/completed` as authoritative.

696- `reasoning` - `{id, summary, content}` where `summary` holds streamed reasoning summaries and `content` holds raw reasoning blocks.840- `reasoning` - `{id, summary, content}` where `summary` holds streamed reasoning summaries and `content` holds raw reasoning blocks.

697- `commandExecution` - `{id, command, cwd, status, commandActions, aggregatedOutput?, exitCode?, durationMs?}`.841- `commandExecution` - `{id, command, cwd, status, commandActions, aggregatedOutput?, exitCode?, durationMs?}`.

698- `fileChange` - `{id, changes, status}` describing proposed edits; `changes` list `{path, kind, diff}`.842- `fileChange` - `{id, changes, status}` describing proposed edits; `changes` list `{path, kind, diff}`.

699- `mcpToolCall` - `{id, server, tool, status, arguments, result?, error?}`.843- `mcpToolCall` - `{id, server, tool, status, arguments, result?, error?}`.

844- `dynamicToolCall` - `{id, tool, arguments, status, contentItems?, success?, durationMs?}` for client-executed dynamic tool invocations.

700- `collabToolCall` - `{id, tool, status, senderThreadId, receiverThreadId?, newThreadId?, prompt?, agentStatus?}`.845- `collabToolCall` - `{id, tool, status, senderThreadId, receiverThreadId?, newThreadId?, prompt?, agentStatus?}`.

701- `webSearch` - `{id, query, action?}` for web search requests issued by the agent.846- `webSearch` - `{id, query, action?}` for web search requests issued by the agent.

702- `imageView` - `{id, path}` emitted when the agent invokes the image viewer tool.847- `imageView` - `{id, path}` emitted when the agent invokes the image viewer tool.

753Order of messages:898Order of messages:

754 899 

7551. `item/started` shows the pending `commandExecution` item with `command`, `cwd`, and other fields.9001. `item/started` shows the pending `commandExecution` item with `command`, `cwd`, and other fields.

7562. `item/commandExecution/requestApproval` includes `itemId`, `threadId`, `turnId`, optional `reason`, optional `command`, optional `cwd`, optional `commandActions`, and optional `proposedExecpolicyAmendment`.9012. `item/commandExecution/requestApproval` includes `itemId`, `threadId`, `turnId`, optional `reason`, optional `command`, optional `cwd`, optional `commandActions`, optional `proposedExecpolicyAmendment`, optional `networkApprovalContext`, and optional `availableDecisions`. When `initialize.params.capabilities.experimentalApi = true`, the payload can also include experimental `additionalPermissions` describing requested per-command sandbox access. Any filesystem paths inside `additionalPermissions` are absolute on the wire.

7573. Client responds with one of the command execution approval decisions above.9023. Client responds with one of the command execution approval decisions above.

7584. `item/completed` returns the final `commandExecution` item with `status: completed | failed | declined`.9034. `serverRequest/resolved` confirms that the pending request has been answered or cleared.

9045. `item/completed` returns the final `commandExecution` item with `status: completed | failed | declined`.

905 

906When `networkApprovalContext` is present, the prompt is for managed network access (not a general shell-command approval). The current v2 schema exposes the target `host` and `protocol`; clients should render a network-specific prompt and not rely on `command` being a user-meaningful shell command preview.

907 

908Codex groups concurrent network approval prompts by destination (`host`, protocol, and port). The app-server may therefore send one prompt that unblocks multiple queued requests to the same destination, while different ports on the same host are treated separately.

759 909 

760### File change approvals910### File change approvals

761 911 

7641. `item/started` emits a `fileChange` item with proposed `changes` and `status: "inProgress"`.9141. `item/started` emits a `fileChange` item with proposed `changes` and `status: "inProgress"`.

7652. `item/fileChange/requestApproval` includes `itemId`, `threadId`, `turnId`, optional `reason`, and optional `grantRoot`.9152. `item/fileChange/requestApproval` includes `itemId`, `threadId`, `turnId`, optional `reason`, and optional `grantRoot`.

7663. Client responds with one of the file change approval decisions above.9163. Client responds with one of the file change approval decisions above.

7674. `item/completed` returns the final `fileChange` item with `status: completed | failed | declined`.9174. `serverRequest/resolved` confirms that the pending request has been answered or cleared.

9185. `item/completed` returns the final `fileChange` item with `status: completed | failed | declined`.

919 

920### `tool/requestUserInput`

921 

922When the client responds to `item/tool/requestUserInput`, app-server emits `serverRequest/resolved` with `{ threadId, requestId }`. If the pending request is cleared by turn start, turn completion, or turn interruption before the client answers, the server emits the same notification for that cleanup.

923 

924### Dynamic tool calls (experimental)

925 

926`dynamicTools` on `thread/start` and the corresponding `item/tool/call` request or response flow are experimental APIs.

927 

928When a dynamic tool is invoked during a turn, app-server emits:

929 

9301. `item/started` with `item.type = "dynamicToolCall"`, `status = "inProgress"`, plus `tool` and `arguments`.

9312. `item/tool/call` as a server request to the client.

9323. The client response payload with returned content items.

9334. `item/completed` with `item.type = "dynamicToolCall"`, the final `status`, and any returned `contentItems` or `success` value.

768 934 

769### MCP tool-call approvals (apps)935### MCP tool-call approvals (apps)

770 936 

771App (connector) tool calls can also require approval. When an app tool call has side effects, the server may elicit approval with `tool/requestUserInput` and options such as **Accept**, **Decline**, and **Cancel**. If the user declines or cancels, the related `mcpToolCall` item completes with an error instead of running the tool.937App (connector) tool calls can also require approval. When an app tool call has side effects, the server may elicit approval with `tool/requestUserInput` and options such as **Accept**, **Decline**, and **Cancel**. Destructive tool annotations always trigger approval even when the tool also advertises less-privileged hints. If the user declines or cancels, the related `mcpToolCall` item completes with an error instead of running the tool.

772 938 

773## Skills939## Skills

774 940 

865 1031 

866## Apps (connectors)1032## Apps (connectors)

867 1033 

868Use `app/list` to fetch available apps. In the CLI/TUI, `/apps` is the user-facing picker; in custom clients, call `app/list` directly. Each entry includes both `isAccessible` (available to the user) and `isEnabled` (enabled in `config.toml`) so clients can distinguish install/access from local enabled state.1034Use `app/list` to fetch available apps. In the CLI/TUI, `/apps` is the user-facing picker; in custom clients, call `app/list` directly. Each entry includes both `isAccessible` (available to the user) and `isEnabled` (enabled in `config.toml`) so clients can distinguish install/access from local enabled state. App entries can also include optional `branding`, `appMetadata`, and `labels` fields.

869 1035 

870```json1036```json

871{ "method": "app/list", "id": 50, "params": {1037{ "method": "app/list", "id": 50, "params": {

881 "name": "Demo App",1047 "name": "Demo App",

882 "description": "Example connector for documentation.",1048 "description": "Example connector for documentation.",

883 "logoUrl": "https://example.com/demo-app.png",1049 "logoUrl": "https://example.com/demo-app.png",

1050 "logoUrlDark": null,

1051 "distributionChannel": null,

1052 "branding": null,

1053 "appMetadata": null,

1054 "labels": null,

884 "installUrl": "https://chatgpt.com/apps/demo-app/demo-app",1055 "installUrl": "https://chatgpt.com/apps/demo-app/demo-app",

885 "isAccessible": true,1056 "isAccessible": true,

886 "isEnabled": true1057 "isEnabled": true

906 "name": "Demo App",1077 "name": "Demo App",

907 "description": "Example connector for documentation.",1078 "description": "Example connector for documentation.",

908 "logoUrl": "https://example.com/demo-app.png",1079 "logoUrl": "https://example.com/demo-app.png",

1080 "logoUrlDark": null,

1081 "distributionChannel": null,

1082 "branding": null,

1083 "appMetadata": null,

1084 "labels": null,

909 "installUrl": "https://chatgpt.com/apps/demo-app/demo-app",1085 "installUrl": "https://chatgpt.com/apps/demo-app/demo-app",

910 "isAccessible": true,1086 "isAccessible": true,

911 "isEnabled": true1087 "isEnabled": true

938}1114}

939```1115```

940 1116 

1117### Config RPC examples for app settings

1118 

1119Use `config/read`, `config/value/write`, and `config/batchWrite` to inspect or update app controls in `config.toml`.

1120 

1121Read the effective app config shape (including `_default` and per-tool overrides):

1122 

1123```json

1124{ "method": "config/read", "id": 60, "params": { "includeLayers": false } }

1125{ "id": 60, "result": {

1126 "config": {

1127 "apps": {

1128 "_default": {

1129 "enabled": true,

1130 "destructive_enabled": true,

1131 "open_world_enabled": true

1132 },

1133 "google_drive": {

1134 "enabled": true,

1135 "destructive_enabled": false,

1136 "default_tools_approval_mode": "prompt",

1137 "tools": {

1138 "files/delete": { "enabled": false, "approval_mode": "approve" }

1139 }

1140 }

1141 }

1142 }

1143} }

1144```

1145 

1146Update a single app setting:

1147 

1148```json

1149{

1150 "method": "config/value/write",

1151 "id": 61,

1152 "params": {

1153 "keyPath": "apps.google_drive.default_tools_approval_mode",

1154 "value": "prompt",

1155 "mergeStrategy": "replace"

1156 }

1157}

1158```

1159 

1160Apply multiple app edits atomically:

1161 

1162```json

1163{

1164 "method": "config/batchWrite",

1165 "id": 62,

1166 "params": {

1167 "edits": [

1168 {

1169 "keyPath": "apps._default.destructive_enabled",

1170 "value": false,

1171 "mergeStrategy": "upsert"

1172 },

1173 {

1174 "keyPath": "apps.google_drive.tools.files/delete.approval_mode",

1175 "value": "approve",

1176 "mergeStrategy": "upsert"

1177 }

1178 ]

1179 }

1180}

1181```

1182 

1183### Detect and import external agent config

1184 

1185Use `externalAgentConfig/detect` to discover external-agent artifacts that can be migrated, then pass the selected entries to `externalAgentConfig/import`.

1186 

1187Detection example:

1188 

1189```json

1190{ "method": "externalAgentConfig/detect", "id": 63, "params": {

1191 "includeHome": true,

1192 "cwds": ["/Users/me/project"]

1193} }

1194{ "id": 63, "result": {

1195 "items": [

1196 {

1197 "itemType": "AGENTS_MD",

1198 "description": "Import /Users/me/project/CLAUDE.md to /Users/me/project/AGENTS.md.",

1199 "cwd": "/Users/me/project"

1200 },

1201 {

1202 "itemType": "SKILLS",

1203 "description": "Copy skill folders from /Users/me/.claude/skills to /Users/me/.agents/skills.",

1204 "cwd": null

1205 }

1206 ]

1207} }

1208```

1209 

1210Import example:

1211 

1212```json

1213{ "method": "externalAgentConfig/import", "id": 64, "params": {

1214 "migrationItems": [

1215 {

1216 "itemType": "AGENTS_MD",

1217 "description": "Import /Users/me/project/CLAUDE.md to /Users/me/project/AGENTS.md.",

1218 "cwd": "/Users/me/project"

1219 }

1220 ]

1221} }

1222{ "id": 64, "result": {} }

1223```

1224 

1225Supported `itemType` values are `AGENTS_MD`, `CONFIG`, `SKILLS`, and `MCP_SERVER_CONFIG`. Detection returns only items that still have work to do. For example, AGENTS migration is skipped when `AGENTS.md` already exists and is non-empty, and skill imports don’t overwrite existing skill directories.

1226 

941## Auth endpoints1227## Auth endpoints

942 1228 

943The JSON-RPC auth/account surface exposes request/response methods plus server-initiated notifications (no `id`). Use these to determine auth state, start or cancel logins, logout, and inspect ChatGPT rate limits.1229The JSON-RPC auth/account surface exposes request/response methods plus server-initiated notifications (no `id`). Use these to determine auth state, start or cancel logins, logout, and inspect ChatGPT rate limits.