app-server.md Codex Docs, 2026-02-24 00:33 UTC → 2026-05-18 22:01 UTC

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.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.

4 4 

5If you are automating jobs or running Codex in CI, use the5If you are automating jobs or running Codex in CI, use the

6[Codex SDK](https://developers.openai.com/codex/sdk) instead.6 <a href="/codex/sdk">Codex SDK</a> instead.

7 7 

8## Protocol8## Protocol

9 9 

12Supported transports:12Supported transports:

13 13 

14- `stdio` (`--listen stdio://`, default): newline-delimited JSON (JSONL).14- `stdio` (`--listen stdio://`, default): newline-delimited JSON (JSONL).

15- `websocket` (`--listen ws://IP:PORT`, experimental): one JSON-RPC message per WebSocket text frame.15- `websocket` (`--listen ws://IP:PORT`, experimental and unsupported): one

16 16 JSON-RPC message per WebSocket text frame.

17In WebSocket mode, app-server uses bounded queues. When request ingress is full, the server rejects new requests with JSON-RPC error code `-32001` and message `"Server overloaded; retry later."` Clients should retry with an exponentially increasing delay and jitter.17- Unix socket (`--listen unix://` or `--listen unix://PATH`): WebSocket

18 connections over Codex's default app-server control socket or a custom Unix

19 socket path, using the standard HTTP Upgrade handshake.

20- `off` (`--listen off`): don't expose a local transport.

21 

22When you run with `--listen ws://IP:PORT`, the same listener also serves basic

23HTTP health probes:

24 

25- `GET /readyz` returns `200 OK` once the listener accepts new connections.

26- `GET /healthz` returns `200 OK` when the request doesn't include an `Origin`

27 header.

28- Requests with an `Origin` header are rejected with `403 Forbidden`.

29 

30WebSocket transport is experimental and unsupported. Local listeners such as

31`ws://127.0.0.1:PORT` are appropriate for localhost and SSH port-forwarding

32workflows. Non-loopback WebSocket listeners currently allow unauthenticated

33connections by default during rollout, so configure WebSocket auth before

34exposing one remotely.

35 

36Supported WebSocket auth flags:

37 

38- `--ws-auth capability-token --ws-token-file /absolute/path`

39- `--ws-auth capability-token --ws-token-sha256 HEX`

40- `--ws-auth signed-bearer-token --ws-shared-secret-file /absolute/path`

41 

42For signed bearer tokens, you can also set `--ws-issuer`, `--ws-audience`, and

43`--ws-max-clock-skew-seconds`. Clients present the credential as

44`Authorization: Bearer <token>` during the WebSocket handshake, and app-server

45enforces auth before JSON-RPC `initialize`.

46 

47Prefer `--ws-token-file` over passing raw bearer tokens on the command line. Use

48`--ws-token-sha256` only when the client keeps the raw high-entropy token in a

49separate local secret store; the hash is only a verifier, and clients still need

50the original token.

51 

52In WebSocket mode, app-server uses bounded queues. When request ingress is full,

53the server rejects new requests with JSON-RPC error code `-32001` and message

54`"Server overloaded; retry later."` Clients should retry with an exponentially

55increasing delay and jitter.

18 56 

19## Message schema57## Message schema

20 58 

21Requests include `method`, `params`, and `id`:59Requests include `method`, `params`, and `id`:

22 60 

23```json61```json

24{ "method": "thread/start", "id": 10, "params": { "model": "gpt-5.1-codex" } }62{ "method": "thread/start", "id": 10, "params": { "model": "gpt-5.4" } }

25```63```

26 64 

27Responses echo the `id` with either `result` or `error`:65Responses echo the `id` with either `result` or `error`:

49 87 

50## Getting started88## Getting started

51 89 

521. Start the server with `codex app-server` (default stdio transport) or `codex app-server --listen ws://127.0.0.1:4500` (experimental WebSocket transport).901. Start the server with `codex app-server` (default stdio transport),

91 `codex app-server --listen ws://127.0.0.1:4500` (TCP WebSocket), or

92 `codex app-server --listen unix://` (default Unix socket).

532. Connect a client over the selected transport, then send `initialize` followed by the `initialized` notification.932. Connect a client over the selected transport, then send `initialize` followed by the `initialized` notification.

543. Start a thread and a turn, then keep reading notifications from the active transport stream.943. Start a thread and a turn, then keep reading notifications from the active transport stream.

55 95 

56Example (Node.js / TypeScript):96Example (Node.js / TypeScript):

57 97 

58```ts98```ts

59import { spawn } from "node:child_process";99 

60import readline from "node:readline";100 

61 101 

62const proc = spawn("codex", ["app-server"], {102const proc = spawn("codex", ["app-server"], {

63 stdio: ["pipe", "pipe", "inherit"],103 stdio: ["pipe", "pipe", "inherit"],

99 },139 },

100});140});

101send({ method: "initialized", params: {} });141send({ method: "initialized", params: {} });

102send({ method: "thread/start", id: 1, params: { model: "gpt-5.1-codex" } });142send({ method: "thread/start", id: 1, params: { model: "gpt-5.4" } });

103```143```

104 144 

105## Core primitives145## Core primitives

123 163 

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`.164Clients 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`.

125 165 

126The server returns the user agent string it will present to upstream services. Set `clientInfo` to identify your integration.166The 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.

127 167 

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.168`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.

129 169 

159 },199 },

160 "capabilities": {200 "capabilities": {

161 "experimentalApi": true,201 "experimentalApi": true,

162 "optOutNotificationMethods": [202 "optOutNotificationMethods": ["thread/started", "item/agentMessage/delta"]

163 "codex/event/session_configured",

164 "item/agentMessage/delta"

165 ]

166 }203 }

167 }204 }

168}205}

200 237 

201- `thread/start` - create a new thread; emits `thread/started` and automatically subscribes you to turn/item events for that thread.238- `thread/start` - create a new thread; emits `thread/started` and automatically subscribes you to turn/item events for that thread.

202- `thread/resume` - reopen an existing thread by id so later `turn/start` calls append to it.239- `thread/resume` - reopen an existing thread by id so later `turn/start` calls append to it.

203- `thread/fork` - fork a thread into a new thread id by copying stored history; emits `thread/started` for the new thread.240- `thread/fork` - fork a thread into a new thread id by copying stored history; emits `thread/started` for the new thread. Returned threads include `forkedFromId` when available.

204- `thread/read` - read a stored thread by id without resuming it; set `includeTurns` to return full turn history. Returned `thread` objects include runtime `status`.241- `thread/read` - read a stored thread by id without resuming it; set `includeTurns` to return full turn history. Returned `thread` objects include runtime `status`.

205- `thread/list` - page through stored thread logs; supports cursor-based pagination plus `modelProviders`, `sourceKinds`, `archived`, and `cwd` filters. Returned `thread` objects include runtime `status`.242- `thread/list` - page through stored thread logs; supports cursor-based pagination plus `modelProviders`, `sourceKinds`, `archived`, `cwd`, and `searchTerm` filters. Returned `thread` objects include runtime `status`.

243- `thread/turns/list` - page through a stored thread's turn history without resuming it. `itemsView` controls whether turn items are omitted, summarized, or fully loaded.

244- `thread/turns/items/list` - reserved for paged turn-item loading; currently returns unsupported.

206- `thread/loaded/list` - list the thread ids currently loaded in memory.245- `thread/loaded/list` - list the thread ids currently loaded in memory.

246- `thread/name/set` - set or update a thread's user-facing name for a loaded thread or a persisted rollout; emits `thread/name/updated`.

247- `thread/goal/set` - set the goal for a loaded thread (experimental; requires `capabilities.experimentalApi`); emits `thread/goal/updated`.

248- `thread/goal/get` - read the current goal for a loaded thread (experimental; requires `capabilities.experimentalApi`).

249- `thread/goal/clear` - clear the goal for a loaded thread (experimental; requires `capabilities.experimentalApi`); emits `thread/goal/cleared`.

250- `thread/metadata/update` - patch SQLite-backed stored thread metadata; currently supports persisted `gitInfo`.

207- `thread/archive` - move a thread's log file into the archived directory; returns `{}` on success and emits `thread/archived`.251- `thread/archive` - move a thread's log file into the archived directory; returns `{}` on success and emits `thread/archived`.

252- `thread/unsubscribe` - unsubscribe this connection from thread turn/item events. If this was the last subscriber, the server unloads the thread after a no-subscriber inactivity grace period and emits `thread/closed`.

208- `thread/unarchive` - restore an archived thread rollout back into the active sessions directory; returns the restored `thread` and emits `thread/unarchived`.253- `thread/unarchive` - restore an archived thread rollout back into the active sessions directory; returns the restored `thread` and emits `thread/unarchived`.

209- `thread/status/changed` - notification emitted when a loaded thread's runtime `status` changes.254- `thread/status/changed` - notification emitted when a loaded thread's runtime `status` changes.

210- `thread/compact/start` - trigger conversation history compaction for a thread; returns `{}` immediately while progress streams via `turn/*` and `item/*` notifications.255- `thread/compact/start` - trigger conversation history compaction for a thread; returns `{}` immediately while progress streams via `turn/*` and `item/*` notifications.

256- `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.

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

211- `thread/rollback` - drop the last N turns from the in-memory context and persist a rollback marker; returns the updated `thread`.258- `thread/rollback` - drop the last N turns from the in-memory context and persist a rollback marker; returns the updated `thread`.

212- `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."259- `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."

260- `thread/inject_items` - append raw Responses API items to a loaded thread's model-visible history without starting a user turn.

213- `turn/steer` - append user input to the active in-flight turn for a thread; returns the accepted `turnId`.261- `turn/steer` - append user input to the active in-flight turn for a thread; returns the accepted `turnId`.

214- `turn/interrupt` - request cancellation of an in-flight turn; success is `{}` and the turn ends with `status: "interrupted"`.262- `turn/interrupt` - request cancellation of an in-flight turn; success is `{}` and the turn ends with `status: "interrupted"`.

215- `review/start` - kick off the Codex reviewer for a thread; emits `enteredReviewMode` and `exitedReviewMode` items.263- `review/start` - kick off the Codex reviewer for a thread; emits `enteredReviewMode` and `exitedReviewMode` items.

216- `command/exec` - run a single command under the server sandbox without starting a thread/turn.264- `command/exec` - run a single command under the server sandbox without starting a thread/turn.

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

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

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

268- `command/exec/outputDelta` (notify) - emitted for base64-encoded stdout/stderr chunks from a streaming `command/exec` session.

269- `process/spawn` - start an explicit process session outside Codex's sandbox (experimental; requires `capabilities.experimentalApi`).

270- `process/writeStdin` - write stdin bytes to a running `process/spawn` session or close stdin (experimental).

271- `process/resizePty` - resize a running PTY-backed process session (experimental).

272- `process/kill` - terminate a running process session (experimental).

273- `process/outputDelta` and `process/exited` (notify) - emitted for streaming process output and process exit status (experimental).

217- `model/list` - list available models (set `includeHidden: true` to include entries with `hidden: true`) with effort options, optional `upgrade`, and `inputModalities`.274- `model/list` - list available models (set `includeHidden: true` to include entries with `hidden: true`) with effort options, optional `upgrade`, and `inputModalities`.

275- `modelProvider/capabilities/read` - read provider capability bounds for model/provider combinations (experimental; requires `capabilities.experimentalApi`).

218- `experimentalFeature/list` - list feature flags with lifecycle stage metadata and cursor pagination.276- `experimentalFeature/list` - list feature flags with lifecycle stage metadata and cursor pagination.

277- `experimentalFeature/enablement/set` - patch in-memory runtime settings for supported feature keys such as `apps` and `plugins`.

219- `collaborationMode/list` - list collaboration mode presets (experimental, no pagination).278- `collaborationMode/list` - list collaboration mode presets (experimental, no pagination).

220- `skills/list` - list skills for one or more `cwd` values (supports `forceReload` and optional `perCwdExtraUserRoots`).279- `skills/list` - list skills for one or more `cwd` values (supports `forceReload` and optional `perCwdExtraUserRoots`).

280- `skills/changed` (notify) - emitted when watched local skill files change.

281- `marketplace/add` - add a remote plugin marketplace and persist it into the user's marketplace config.

282- `marketplace/upgrade` - refresh a configured Git marketplace, or all configured Git marketplaces when you omit the marketplace name.

283- `plugin/list` - list discovered plugin marketplaces and plugin state, including install/auth policy metadata, marketplace load errors, featured plugin ids, and local, Git, or remote plugin source metadata.

284- `plugin/read` - read one plugin by marketplace path or remote marketplace name and plugin name, including bundled skills, apps, and MCP server names when those details are available.

285- `plugin/install` - install a plugin from a marketplace path or remote marketplace name.

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

221- `app/list` - list available apps (connectors) with pagination plus accessibility/enabled metadata.287- `app/list` - list available apps (connectors) with pagination plus accessibility/enabled metadata.

222- `skills/config/write` - enable or disable skills by path.288- `skills/config/write` - enable or disable skills by path.

223- `mcpServer/oauth/login` - start an OAuth login for a configured MCP server; returns an authorization URL and emits `mcpServer/oauthLogin/completed` on completion.289- `mcpServer/oauth/login` - start an OAuth login for a configured MCP server; returns an authorization URL and emits `mcpServer/oauthLogin/completed` on completion.

224- `tool/requestUserInput` - prompt the user with 1-3 short questions for a tool call (experimental); questions can set `isOther` for a free-form option.290- `tool/requestUserInput` - prompt the user with 1-3 short questions for a tool call (experimental); questions can set `isOther` for a free-form option.

225- `config/mcpServer/reload` - reload MCP server configuration from disk and queue a refresh for loaded threads.291- `config/mcpServer/reload` - reload MCP server configuration from disk and queue a refresh for loaded threads.

226- `mcpServerStatus/list` - list MCP servers, tools, resources, and auth status (cursor + limit pagination).292- `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.

293- `mcpServer/resource/read` - read a single MCP resource through an initialized MCP server.

294- `mcpServer/tool/call` - call a tool on a thread's configured MCP server.

295- `mcpServer/startupStatus/updated` (notify) - emitted when a configured MCP server's startup status changes for a loaded thread.

227- `windowsSandbox/setupStart` - start Windows sandbox setup for `elevated` or `unelevated` mode; returns quickly and later emits `windowsSandbox/setupCompleted`.296- `windowsSandbox/setupStart` - start Windows sandbox setup for `elevated` or `unelevated` mode; returns quickly and later emits `windowsSandbox/setupCompleted`.

228- `feedback/upload` - submit a feedback report (classification + optional reason/logs + conversation id, plus optional `extraLogFiles` attachments).297- `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.298- `config/read` - fetch the effective configuration on disk after resolving configuration layering.

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

300- `externalAgentConfig/import` - apply selected external-agent migration items by passing explicit `migrationItems` with `cwd` (`null` for home). Supported item types include config, skills, `AGENTS.md`, plugins, MCP server config, subagents, hooks, commands, and sessions; plugin imports emit `externalAgentConfig/import/completed`.

230- `config/value/write` - write a single configuration key/value to the user's `config.toml` on disk.301- `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.302- `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).303- `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).

304- `fs/readFile`, `fs/writeFile`, `fs/createDirectory`, `fs/getMetadata`, `fs/readDirectory`, `fs/remove`, `fs/copy`, `fs/watch`, `fs/unwatch`, and `fs/changed` (notify) - operate on absolute filesystem paths through the app-server v2 filesystem API.

305 

306Plugin summaries include a `source` union. Local plugins return

307`{ "type": "local", "path": ... }`, Git-backed marketplace entries return

308`{ "type": "git", "url": ..., "path": ..., "refName": ..., "sha": ... }`,

309and remote catalog entries return `{ "type": "remote" }`. For remote-only

310catalog entries, `PluginMarketplaceEntry.path` can be `null`; pass

311`remoteMarketplaceName` instead of `marketplacePath` when reading or installing

312those plugins.

233 313 

234## Models314## Models

235 315 

241{ "method": "model/list", "id": 6, "params": { "limit": 20, "includeHidden": false } }321{ "method": "model/list", "id": 6, "params": { "limit": 20, "includeHidden": false } }

242{ "id": 6, "result": {322{ "id": 6, "result": {

243 "data": [{323 "data": [{

244 "id": "gpt-5.2-codex",324 "id": "gpt-5.4",

245 "model": "gpt-5.2-codex",325 "model": "gpt-5.4",

246 "upgrade": "gpt-5.3-codex",326 "displayName": "GPT-5.4",

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

248 "hidden": false,327 "hidden": false,

249 "defaultReasoningEffort": "medium",328 "defaultReasoningEffort": "medium",

250 "reasoningEffort": [{329 "supportedReasoningEfforts": [{

251 "effort": "low",330 "reasoningEffort": "low",

252 "description": "Lower latency"331 "description": "Lower latency"

253 }],332 }],

254 "inputModalities": ["text", "image"],333 "inputModalities": ["text", "image"],

261 340 

262Each model entry can include:341Each model entry can include:

263 342 

264- `reasoningEffort` - supported effort options for the model.343- `supportedReasoningEfforts` - supported effort options for the model.

265- `defaultReasoningEffort` - suggested default effort for clients.344- `defaultReasoningEffort` - suggested default effort for clients.

266- `upgrade` - optional recommended upgrade model id for migration prompts in clients.345- `upgrade` - optional recommended upgrade model id for migration prompts in clients.

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

267- `hidden` - whether the model is hidden from the default picker list.347- `hidden` - whether the model is hidden from the default picker list.

268- `inputModalities` - supported input types for the model (for example `text`, `image`).348- `inputModalities` - supported input types for the model (for example `text`, `image`).

269- `supportsPersonality` - whether the model supports personality-specific instructions such as `/personality`.349- `supportsPersonality` - whether the model supports personality-specific instructions such as `/personality`.

298## Threads378## Threads

299 379 

300- `thread/read` reads a stored thread without subscribing to it; set `includeTurns` to include turns.380- `thread/read` reads a stored thread without subscribing to it; set `includeTurns` to include turns.

301- `thread/list` supports cursor pagination plus `modelProviders`, `sourceKinds`, `archived`, and `cwd` filtering.381- `thread/turns/list` pages through a stored thread's turn history without

382 resuming it. Use `itemsView` to choose whether turn items are omitted,

383 summarized, or fully loaded.

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

302- `thread/loaded/list` returns the thread IDs currently in memory.385- `thread/loaded/list` returns the thread IDs currently in memory.

303- `thread/archive` moves the thread's persisted JSONL log into the archived directory.386- `thread/archive` moves the thread's persisted JSONL log into the archived directory.

387- `thread/metadata/update` patches stored thread metadata, currently including persisted `gitInfo`.

388- `thread/unsubscribe` unsubscribes the current connection from a loaded thread and can trigger `thread/closed` after an inactivity grace period.

304- `thread/unarchive` restores an archived thread rollout back into the active sessions directory.389- `thread/unarchive` restores an archived thread rollout back into the active sessions directory.

305- `thread/compact/start` triggers compaction and returns `{}` immediately.390- `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.391- `thread/rollback` drops the last N turns from the in-memory context and records a rollback marker in the thread's persisted JSONL log.

392- `thread/inject_items` appends raw Responses API items to a loaded thread's model-visible history without starting a user turn.

307 393 

308### Start or resume a thread394### Start or resume a thread

309 395 

311 397 

312```json398```json

313{ "method": "thread/start", "id": 10, "params": {399{ "method": "thread/start", "id": 10, "params": {

314 "model": "gpt-5.1-codex",400 "model": "gpt-5.4",

315 "cwd": "/Users/me/project",401 "cwd": "/Users/me/project",

316 "approvalPolicy": "never",402 "approvalPolicy": "never",

317 "sandbox": "workspaceWrite",403 "sandbox": "workspaceWrite",

318 "personality": "friendly"404 "personality": "friendly",

405 "serviceName": "my_app_server_client"

319} }406} }

320{ "id": 10, "result": {407{ "id": 10, "result": {

321 "thread": {408 "thread": {

322 "id": "thr_123",409 "id": "thr_123",

410 "sessionId": "thr_123",

323 "preview": "",411 "preview": "",

412 "ephemeral": false,

324 "modelProvider": "openai",413 "modelProvider": "openai",

325 "createdAt": 1730910000414 "createdAt": 1730910000

326 }415 }

328{ "method": "thread/started", "params": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123" } } }417{ "method": "thread/started", "params": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123" } } }

329```418```

330 419 

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

421 

422`thread.sessionId` identifies the current live session tree root. Root threads

423use their own thread id as the session id; forked threads keep the session id

424of the root they came from. Clients should read the session id from

425`thread.sessionId` instead of deriving it from the thread id.

426 

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`:427To 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`:

332 428 

333```json429```json

335 "threadId": "thr_123",431 "threadId": "thr_123",

336 "personality": "friendly"432 "personality": "friendly"

337} }433} }

338{ "id": 11, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123", "name": "Bug bash notes" } } }434{ "id": 11, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123", "name": "Bug bash notes", "ephemeral": false } } }

339```435```

340 436 

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.437Resuming a thread doesn't update `thread.updatedAt` (or the rollout file's modified time) by itself. The timestamp updates when you start a turn.

346 442 

347If you resume with a different model than the one recorded in the rollout, Codex emits a warning and applies a one-time model-switch instruction on the next turn.443If you resume with a different model than the one recorded in the rollout, Codex emits a warning and applies a one-time model-switch instruction on the next turn.

348 444 

445### Manage a thread goal

446 

447`thread/goal/set`, `thread/goal/get`, and `thread/goal/clear` are experimental

448and require `capabilities.experimentalApi = true` plus the `goals` feature. Use

449them for the same persisted goal state surfaced by `/goal` in the TUI.

450 

451```json

452{ "method": "thread/goal/set", "id": 13, "params": {

453 "threadId": "thr_123",

454 "objective": "Finish the migration and keep tests green",

455 "status": "active",

456 "tokenBudget": 40000

457} }

458{ "id": 13, "result": { "goal": {

459 "threadId": "thr_123",

460 "objective": "Finish the migration and keep tests green",

461 "status": "active",

462 "tokenBudget": 40000,

463 "tokensUsed": 0,

464 "timeUsedSeconds": 0

465} } }

466{ "method": "thread/goal/updated", "params": {

467 "threadId": "thr_123",

468 "goal": {

469 "threadId": "thr_123",

470 "objective": "Finish the migration and keep tests green",

471 "status": "active",

472 "tokenBudget": 40000,

473 "tokensUsed": 0,

474 "timeUsedSeconds": 0

475 }

476} }

477```

478 

479Goal objectives must be non-empty and at most 4,000 characters. Supplying a new

480objective replaces the goal and resets usage accounting. Supplying the current

481non-terminal objective, or omitting `objective`, updates status or token budget

482while preserving usage history.

483 

349To branch from a stored session, call `thread/fork` with the `thread.id`. This creates a new thread id and emits a `thread/started` notification for it:484To branch from a stored session, call `thread/fork` with the `thread.id`. This creates a new thread id and emits a `thread/started` notification for it:

350 485 

351```json486```json

352{ "method": "thread/fork", "id": 12, "params": { "threadId": "thr_123" } }487{ "method": "thread/fork", "id": 12, "params": { "threadId": "thr_123" } }

353{ "id": 12, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_456" } } }488{ "id": 12, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_456", "sessionId": "thr_123", "forkedFromId": "thr_123" } } }

354{ "method": "thread/started", "params": { "thread": { "id": "thr_456" } } }489{ "method": "thread/started", "params": { "thread": { "id": "thr_456" } } }

355```490```

356 491 

365 500 

366```json501```json

367{ "method": "thread/read", "id": 19, "params": { "threadId": "thr_123", "includeTurns": true } }502{ "method": "thread/read", "id": 19, "params": { "threadId": "thr_123", "includeTurns": true } }

368{ "id": 19, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123", "name": "Bug bash notes", "status": { "type": "notLoaded" }, "turns": [] } } }503{ "id": 19, "result": { "thread": { "id": "thr_123", "name": "Bug bash notes", "ephemeral": false, "status": { "type": "notLoaded" }, "turns": [] } } }

369```504```

370 505 

371Unlike `thread/resume`, `thread/read` doesn't load the thread into memory or emit `thread/started`.506Unlike `thread/resume`, `thread/read` doesn't load the thread into memory or emit `thread/started`.

372 507 

508### List thread turns

509 

510Use `thread/turns/list` to page a stored thread's turn history without resuming it. Results default to newest-first so clients can fetch older turns with `nextCursor`. The response also includes `backwardsCursor`; pass it as `cursor` with `sortDirection: "asc"` to fetch turns newer than the first item from the earlier page.

511 

512`itemsView` controls how much turn-item data the response includes:

513 

514- `notLoaded` omits items.

515- `summary` returns summarized item data and is the default when omitted.

516- `full` returns full item data.

517 

518```json

519{ "method": "thread/turns/list", "id": 20, "params": {

520 "threadId": "thr_123",

521 "limit": 50,

522 "sortDirection": "desc",

523 "itemsView": "summary"

524} }

525{ "id": 20, "result": {

526 "data": [],

527 "nextCursor": "older-turns-cursor-or-null",

528 "backwardsCursor": "newer-turns-cursor-or-null"

529} }

530```

531 

532`thread/turns/items/list` is reserved for paged turn-item loading, but the

533current server returns an unsupported-method error.

534 

373### List threads (with pagination & filters)535### List threads (with pagination & filters)

374 536 

375`thread/list` lets you render a history UI. Results default to newest-first by `createdAt`. Filters apply before pagination. Pass any combination of:537`thread/list` lets you render a history UI. Results default to newest-first by `createdAt`. Filters apply before pagination. Pass any combination of:

381- `sourceKinds` - restrict results to specific thread sources. When omitted or `[]`, the server defaults to interactive sources only: `cli` and `vscode`.543- `sourceKinds` - restrict results to specific thread sources. When omitted or `[]`, the server defaults to interactive sources only: `cli` and `vscode`.

382- `archived` - when `true`, list archived threads only. When `false` or omitted, list non-archived threads (default).544- `archived` - when `true`, list archived threads only. When `false` or omitted, list non-archived threads (default).

383- `cwd` - restrict results to threads whose session current working directory exactly matches this path.545- `cwd` - restrict results to threads whose session current working directory exactly matches this path.

546- `searchTerm` - search stored thread summaries and metadata before pagination.

384 547 

385`sourceKinds` accepts the following values:548`sourceKinds` accepts the following values:

386 549 

405} }568} }

406{ "id": 20, "result": {569{ "id": 20, "result": {

407 "data": [570 "data": [

408 { "id": "thr_a", "preview": "Create a TUI", "modelProvider": "openai", "createdAt": 1730831111, "updatedAt": 1730831111, "name": "TUI prototype", "status": { "type": "notLoaded" } },571 { "id": "thr_a", "preview": "Create a TUI", "ephemeral": false, "modelProvider": "openai", "createdAt": 1730831111, "updatedAt": 1730831111, "name": "TUI prototype", "status": { "type": "notLoaded" } },

409 { "id": "thr_b", "preview": "Fix tests", "modelProvider": "openai", "createdAt": 1730750000, "updatedAt": 1730750000, "status": { "type": "notLoaded" } }572 { "id": "thr_b", "preview": "Fix tests", "ephemeral": true, "modelProvider": "openai", "createdAt": 1730750000, "updatedAt": 1730750000, "status": { "type": "notLoaded" } }

410 ],573 ],

411 "nextCursor": "opaque-token-or-null"574 "nextCursor": "opaque-token-or-null"

412} }575} }

414 577 

415When `nextCursor` is `null`, you have reached the final page.578When `nextCursor` is `null`, you have reached the final page.

416 579 

580### Update stored thread metadata

581 

582Use `thread/metadata/update` to patch stored thread metadata without resuming the thread. Today this supports persisted `gitInfo`; omitted fields are left unchanged, and explicit `null` clears a stored value.

583 

584```json

585{ "method": "thread/metadata/update", "id": 21, "params": {

586 "threadId": "thr_123",

587 "gitInfo": { "branch": "feature/sidebar-pr" }

588} }

589{ "id": 21, "result": {

590 "thread": {

591 "id": "thr_123",

592 "gitInfo": { "sha": null, "branch": "feature/sidebar-pr", "originUrl": null }

593 }

594} }

595```

596 

417### Track thread status changes597### Track thread status changes

418 598 

419`thread/status/changed` is emitted whenever a loaded thread's runtime status changes. The payload includes `threadId` and the new `status`.599`thread/status/changed` is emitted whenever a loaded thread's runtime status changes. The payload includes `threadId` and the new `status`.

437{ "id": 21, "result": { "data": ["thr_123", "thr_456"] } }617{ "id": 21, "result": { "data": ["thr_123", "thr_456"] } }

438```618```

439 619 

620### Unsubscribe from a loaded thread

621 

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

623 

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

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

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

627 

628If this was the last subscriber, the server keeps the thread loaded until it has no subscribers and no thread activity for 30 minutes. When the grace period expires, app-server unloads the thread and emits a `thread/status/changed` transition to `notLoaded` plus `thread/closed`.

629 

630```json

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

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

633```

634 

635If the thread later expires:

636 

637```json

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

639 "threadId": "thr_123",

640 "status": { "type": "notLoaded" }

641} }

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

643```

644 

440### Archive a thread645### Archive a thread

441 646 

442Use `thread/archive` to move the persisted thread log (stored as a JSONL file on disk) into the archived sessions directory.647Use `thread/archive` to move the persisted thread log (stored as a JSONL file on disk) into the archived sessions directory.

470{ "id": 25, "result": {} }675{ "id": 25, "result": {} }

471```676```

472 677 

678### Run a thread shell command

679 

680Use `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.

681 

682This 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.

683 

684If 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.

685 

686```json

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

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

689```

690 

691### Clean background terminals

692 

693Use `thread/backgroundTerminals/clean` to stop all running background terminals associated with a thread. This method is experimental and requires `capabilities.experimentalApi = true`.

694 

695```json

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

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

698```

699 

700### Roll back recent turns

701 

702Use `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.

703 

704```json

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

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

707```

708 

473## Turns709## Turns

474 710 

475The `input` field accepts a list of items:711The `input` field accepts a list of items:

533 "writableRoots": ["/Users/me/project"],769 "writableRoots": ["/Users/me/project"],

534 "networkAccess": true770 "networkAccess": true

535 },771 },

536 "model": "gpt-5.1-codex",772 "model": "gpt-5.4",

537 "effort": "medium",773 "effort": "medium",

538 "summary": "concise",774 "summary": "concise",

539 "personality": "friendly",775 "personality": "friendly",

547{ "id": 30, "result": { "turn": { "id": "turn_456", "status": "inProgress", "items": [], "error": null } } }783{ "id": 30, "result": { "turn": { "id": "turn_456", "status": "inProgress", "items": [], "error": null } } }

548```784```

549 785 

786### Inject items into a thread

787 

788Use `thread/inject_items` to append prebuilt Responses API items to a loaded thread's prompt history without starting a user turn. These items are persisted to the rollout and included in subsequent model requests.

789 

790```json

791{ "method": "thread/inject_items", "id": 31, "params": {

792 "threadId": "thr_123",

793 "items": [

794 {

795 "type": "message",

796 "role": "assistant",

797 "content": [{ "type": "output_text", "text": "Previously computed context." }]

798 }

799 ]

800} }

801{ "id": 31, "result": {} }

802```

803 

550### Steer an active turn804### Steer an active turn

551 805 

552Use `turn/steer` to append more user input to the active in-flight turn.806Use `turn/steer` to append more user input to the active in-flight turn.

655 909 

656Use this notification to render the reviewer output in your client.910Use this notification to render the reviewer output in your client.

657 911 

912## Process execution

913 

914`process/*` is an experimental, explicit process-control API. It requires

915`capabilities.experimentalApi = true` and runs outside Codex's sandbox. Use it

916only when your client intentionally exposes local process control without a

917sandbox.

918 

919Start a process with `process/spawn` and provide a `processHandle`, then use

920that handle for stdin, resize, and kill requests. Output streams through

921`process/outputDelta` notifications and completion streams through

922`process/exited`.

923 

924```json

925{ "method": "process/spawn", "id": 48, "params": {

926 "command": ["python3", "-m", "pytest", "-q"],

927 "processHandle": "pytest-1",

928 "cwd": "/Users/me/project",

929 "tty": true

930} }

931{ "id": 48, "result": {} }

932{ "method": "process/outputDelta", "params": {

933 "processHandle": "pytest-1",

934 "stream": "stdout",

935 "deltaBase64": "Li4u"

936} }

937{ "method": "process/exited", "params": {

938 "processHandle": "pytest-1",

939 "exitCode": 0

940} }

941```

942 

943Use `process/writeStdin` with `deltaBase64`, `closeStdin`, or both to send

944input. Use `process/resizePty` for PTY resize events and `process/kill` to

945terminate a running process.

946 

658## Command execution947## Command execution

659 948 

660`command/exec` runs a single command (`argv` array) under the server sandbox without creating a thread.949`command/exec` runs a single command (`argv` array) under the server sandbox without creating a thread.

676- The server rejects empty `command` arrays.965- The server rejects empty `command` arrays.

677- `sandboxPolicy` accepts the same shape used by `turn/start` (for example, `dangerFullAccess`, `readOnly`, `workspaceWrite`, `externalSandbox`).966- `sandboxPolicy` accepts the same shape used by `turn/start` (for example, `dangerFullAccess`, `readOnly`, `workspaceWrite`, `externalSandbox`).

678- When omitted, `timeoutMs` falls back to the server default.967- When omitted, `timeoutMs` falls back to the server default.

968- 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`.

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

679 970 

680### Read admin requirements (`configRequirements/read`)971### Read admin requirements (`configRequirements/read`)

681 972 

687 "requirements": {978 "requirements": {

688 "allowedApprovalPolicies": ["onRequest", "unlessTrusted"],979 "allowedApprovalPolicies": ["onRequest", "unlessTrusted"],

689 "allowedSandboxModes": ["readOnly", "workspaceWrite"],980 "allowedSandboxModes": ["readOnly", "workspaceWrite"],

981 "featureRequirements": {

982 "personality": true,

983 "unified_exec": false

984 },

690 "network": {985 "network": {

691 "enabled": true,986 "enabled": true,

692 "allowedDomains": ["api.openai.com"],987 "allowedDomains": ["api.openai.com"],

697} }992} }

698```993```

699 994 

700`result.requirements` is `null` when no requirements are configured. When present, the optional `network` object carries managed proxy constraints (domain rules, proxy settings, and unix-socket policy).995`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.

701 996 

702### Windows sandbox setup (`windowsSandbox/setupStart`)997### Windows sandbox setup (`windowsSandbox/setupStart`)

703 998 

722- `elevated` - run the elevated Windows sandbox setup path.1017- `elevated` - run the elevated Windows sandbox setup path.

723- `unelevated` - run the legacy setup/preflight path.1018- `unelevated` - run the legacy setup/preflight path.

724 1019 

1020## Filesystem

1021 

1022The v2 filesystem APIs operate on absolute paths. Use `fs/watch` when a client needs to invalidate UI state after a file or directory changes.

1023 

1024```json

1025{ "method": "fs/watch", "id": 54, "params": {

1026 "watchId": "0195ec6b-1d6f-7c2e-8c7a-56f2c4a8b9d1",

1027 "path": "/Users/me/project/.git/HEAD"

1028} }

1029{ "id": 54, "result": { "path": "/Users/me/project/.git/HEAD" } }

1030{ "method": "fs/changed", "params": {

1031 "watchId": "0195ec6b-1d6f-7c2e-8c7a-56f2c4a8b9d1",

1032 "changedPaths": ["/Users/me/project/.git/HEAD"]

1033} }

1034{ "method": "fs/unwatch", "id": 55, "params": {

1035 "watchId": "0195ec6b-1d6f-7c2e-8c7a-56f2c4a8b9d1"

1036} }

1037{ "id": 55, "result": {} }

1038```

1039 

1040Watching a file emits `fs/changed` for that file path, including updates delivered by replace or rename operations.

1041 

725## Events1042## Events

726 1043 

727Event 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/status/changed`, `turn/*`, and `item/*` notifications.1044Event 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.

728 1045 

729### Notification opt-out1046### Notification opt-out

730 1047 

732 1049 

733- Exact-match only: `item/agentMessage/delta` suppresses only that method.1050- Exact-match only: `item/agentMessage/delta` suppresses only that method.

734- Unknown method names are ignored.1051- Unknown method names are ignored.

735- Applies to both legacy (`codex/event/*`) and v2 (`thread/*`, `turn/*`, `item/*`, etc.) notifications.1052- Applies to the current `thread/*`, `turn/*`, `item/*`, and related v2 notifications.

736- Doesn't apply to requests, responses, or errors.1053- Doesn't apply to requests, responses, or errors.

737 1054 

738### Fuzzy file search events (experimental)1055### Fuzzy file search events (experimental)

767- `commandExecution` - `{id, command, cwd, status, commandActions, aggregatedOutput?, exitCode?, durationMs?}`.1084- `commandExecution` - `{id, command, cwd, status, commandActions, aggregatedOutput?, exitCode?, durationMs?}`.

768- `fileChange` - `{id, changes, status}` describing proposed edits; `changes` list `{path, kind, diff}`.1085- `fileChange` - `{id, changes, status}` describing proposed edits; `changes` list `{path, kind, diff}`.

769- `mcpToolCall` - `{id, server, tool, status, arguments, result?, error?}`.1086- `mcpToolCall` - `{id, server, tool, status, arguments, result?, error?}`.

1087- `dynamicToolCall` - `{id, tool, arguments, status, contentItems?, success?, durationMs?}` for client-executed dynamic tool invocations.

770- `collabToolCall` - `{id, tool, status, senderThreadId, receiverThreadId?, newThreadId?, prompt?, agentStatus?}`.1088- `collabToolCall` - `{id, tool, status, senderThreadId, receiverThreadId?, newThreadId?, prompt?, agentStatus?}`.

771- `webSearch` - `{id, query, action?}` for web search requests issued by the agent.1089- `webSearch` - `{id, query, action?}` for web search requests issued by the agent.

772- `imageView` - `{id, path}` emitted when the agent invokes the image viewer tool.1090- `imageView` - `{id, path}` emitted when the agent invokes the image viewer tool.

791- `item/reasoning/summaryPartAdded` - marks a boundary between reasoning summary sections.1109- `item/reasoning/summaryPartAdded` - marks a boundary between reasoning summary sections.

792- `item/reasoning/textDelta` - streams raw reasoning text (when supported by the model).1110- `item/reasoning/textDelta` - streams raw reasoning text (when supported by the model).

793- `item/commandExecution/outputDelta` - streams stdout/stderr for a command; append deltas in order.1111- `item/commandExecution/outputDelta` - streams stdout/stderr for a command; append deltas in order.

794- `item/fileChange/outputDelta` - contains the tool call response of the underlying `apply_patch` tool call.1112- `item/fileChange/outputDelta` - deprecated compatibility notification for legacy `apply_patch` text output. Current app-server versions no longer emit it; use `fileChange` items and `turn/diff/updated` instead.

795 1113 

796## Errors1114## Errors

797 1115 

823Order of messages:1142Order of messages:

824 1143 

8251. `item/started` shows the pending `commandExecution` item with `command`, `cwd`, and other fields.11441. `item/started` shows the pending `commandExecution` item with `command`, `cwd`, and other fields.

8262. `item/commandExecution/requestApproval` includes `itemId`, `threadId`, `turnId`, optional `reason`, optional `command`, optional `cwd`, optional `commandActions`, optional `proposedExecpolicyAmendment`, and optional `networkApprovalContext`.11452. `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.

8273. Client responds with one of the command execution approval decisions above.11463. Client responds with one of the command execution approval decisions above.

8284. `item/completed` returns the final `commandExecution` item with `status: completed | failed | declined`.11474. `serverRequest/resolved` confirms that the pending request has been answered or cleared.

11485. `item/completed` returns the final `commandExecution` item with `status: completed | failed | declined`.

829 1149 

830When `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.1150When `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.

831 1151 

832Codex deduplicates 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.1152Codex 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.

833 1153 

834### File change approvals1154### File change approvals

835 1155 

8381. `item/started` emits a `fileChange` item with proposed `changes` and `status: "inProgress"`.11581. `item/started` emits a `fileChange` item with proposed `changes` and `status: "inProgress"`.

8392. `item/fileChange/requestApproval` includes `itemId`, `threadId`, `turnId`, optional `reason`, and optional `grantRoot`.11592. `item/fileChange/requestApproval` includes `itemId`, `threadId`, `turnId`, optional `reason`, and optional `grantRoot`.

8403. Client responds with one of the file change approval decisions above.11603. Client responds with one of the file change approval decisions above.

8414. `item/completed` returns the final `fileChange` item with `status: completed | failed | declined`.11614. `serverRequest/resolved` confirms that the pending request has been answered or cleared.

11625. `item/completed` returns the final `fileChange` item with `status: completed | failed | declined`.

1163 

1164### `tool/requestUserInput`

1165 

1166When 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.

1167 

1168### Dynamic tool calls (experimental)

1169 

1170`dynamicTools` on `thread/start` and the corresponding `item/tool/call` request or response flow are experimental APIs.

1171 

1172Dynamic tool names and namespace names must follow Responses API naming

1173constraints. Avoid reserved namespace names used by built-in Codex tools.

1174 

1175When a dynamic tool is invoked during a turn, app-server emits:

1176 

11771. `item/started` with `item.type = "dynamicToolCall"`, `status = "inProgress"`, plus `tool` and `arguments`.

11782. `item/tool/call` as a server request to the client.

11793. The client response payload with returned content items.

11804. `item/completed` with `item.type = "dynamicToolCall"`, the final `status`, and any returned `contentItems` or `success` value.

842 1181 

843### MCP tool-call approvals (apps)1182### MCP tool-call approvals (apps)

844 1183 

924} }1263} }

925```1264```

926 1265 

1266The server also emits `skills/changed` notifications when watched local skill files change. Treat this as an invalidation signal and rerun `skills/list` with your current params when needed.

1267 

927To enable or disable a skill by path:1268To enable or disable a skill by path:

928 1269 

929```json1270```json

1088}1429}

1089```1430```

1090 1431 

1432### Detect and import external agent config

1433 

1434Use `externalAgentConfig/detect` to discover external-agent artifacts that can be migrated, then pass the selected entries to `externalAgentConfig/import`.

1435 

1436Detection example:

1437 

1438```json

1439{ "method": "externalAgentConfig/detect", "id": 63, "params": {

1440 "includeHome": true,

1441 "cwds": ["/Users/me/project"]

1442} }

1443{ "id": 63, "result": {

1444 "items": [

1445 {

1446 "itemType": "AGENTS_MD",

1447 "description": "Import /Users/me/project/CLAUDE.md to /Users/me/project/AGENTS.md.",

1448 "cwd": "/Users/me/project"

1449 },

1450 {

1451 "itemType": "SKILLS",

1452 "description": "Copy skill folders from /Users/me/.claude/skills to /Users/me/.agents/skills.",

1453 "cwd": null

1454 }

1455 ]

1456} }

1457```

1458 

1459Import example:

1460 

1461```json

1462{ "method": "externalAgentConfig/import", "id": 64, "params": {

1463 "migrationItems": [

1464 {

1465 "itemType": "AGENTS_MD",

1466 "description": "Import /Users/me/project/CLAUDE.md to /Users/me/project/AGENTS.md.",

1467 "cwd": "/Users/me/project"

1468 }

1469 ]

1470} }

1471{ "id": 64, "result": {} }

1472```

1473 

1474When a request includes plugin imports, the server emits `externalAgentConfig/import/completed` after the import finishes. This notification may arrive immediately after the response or after background remote imports complete.

1475 

1476Supported `itemType` values are `AGENTS_MD`, `CONFIG`, `SKILLS`, `PLUGINS`,

1477and `MCP_SERVER_CONFIG`. For `PLUGINS` items, `details.plugins` lists each

1478`marketplaceName` and the `pluginNames` Codex can try to migrate. Detection

1479returns only items that still have work to do. For example, Codex skips AGENTS

1480migration when `AGENTS.md` already exists and is non-empty, and skill imports

1481don't overwrite existing skill directories.

1482 

1483When detecting plugins from `.claude/settings.json`, Codex reads configured

1484marketplace sources from `extraKnownMarketplaces`. If `enabledPlugins` contains

1485plugins from `claude-plugins-official` but the marketplace source is missing,

1486Codex infers `anthropics/claude-plugins-official` as the source.

1487 

1091## Auth endpoints1488## Auth endpoints

1092 1489 

1093The 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.1490The 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, inspect ChatGPT rate limits, and notify workspace owners about depleted credits or usage limits.

1094 1491 

1095### Authentication modes1492### Authentication modes

1096 1493 

1097Codex supports three authentication modes. `account/updated.authMode` shows the active mode, and `account/read` also reports it.1494Codex supports these authentication modes. `account/updated.authMode` shows the active mode and includes the current ChatGPT `planType` when available. `account/read` also reports account and plan details.

1098 1495 

1099- **API key (`apikey`)** - the caller supplies an OpenAI API key and Codex stores it for API requests.1496- **API key (`apikey`)** - the caller supplies an OpenAI API key with `type: "apiKey"`, and Codex stores it for API requests.

1100- **ChatGPT managed (`chatgpt`)** - Codex owns the ChatGPT OAuth flow, persists tokens, and refreshes them automatically.1497- **ChatGPT managed (`chatgpt`)** - Codex owns the ChatGPT OAuth flow, persists tokens, and refreshes them automatically. Start with `type: "chatgpt"` for the browser flow or `type: "chatgptDeviceCode"` for the device-code flow.

1101- **ChatGPT external tokens (`chatgptAuthTokens`)** - a host app supplies `idToken` and `accessToken` directly. Codex stores these tokens in memory, and the host app must refresh them when asked.1498- **ChatGPT external tokens (`chatgptAuthTokens`)** - experimental and intended for host apps that already own the user's ChatGPT auth lifecycle. The host app supplies an `accessToken`, `chatgptAccountId`, and optional `chatgptPlanType` directly, and must refresh the token when asked.

1102 1499 

1103### API overview1500### API overview

1104 1501 

1105- `account/read` - fetch current account info; optionally refresh tokens.1502- `account/read` - fetch current account info; optionally refresh tokens.

1106- `account/login/start` - begin login (`apiKey`, `chatgpt`, or `chatgptAuthTokens`).1503- `account/login/start` - begin login (`apiKey`, `chatgpt`, `chatgptDeviceCode`, or experimental `chatgptAuthTokens`).

1107- `account/login/completed` (notify) - emitted when a login attempt finishes (success or error).1504- `account/login/completed` (notify) - emitted when a login attempt finishes (success or error).

1108- `account/login/cancel` - cancel a pending ChatGPT login by `loginId`.1505- `account/login/cancel` - cancel a pending managed ChatGPT login by `loginId`.

1109- `account/logout` - sign out; triggers `account/updated`.1506- `account/logout` - sign out; triggers `account/updated`.

1110- `account/updated` (notify) - emitted whenever auth mode changes (`authMode`: `apikey`, `chatgpt`, `chatgptAuthTokens`, or `null`).1507- `account/updated` (notify) - emitted whenever auth mode changes (`authMode`: `apikey`, `chatgpt`, `chatgptAuthTokens`, or `null`) and includes `planType` when available.

1111- `account/chatgptAuthTokens/refresh` (server request) - request fresh externally managed ChatGPT tokens after an authorization error.1508- `account/chatgptAuthTokens/refresh` (server request) - request fresh externally managed ChatGPT tokens after an authorization error.

1112- `account/rateLimits/read` - fetch ChatGPT rate limits.1509- `account/rateLimits/read` - fetch ChatGPT rate limits.

1113- `account/rateLimits/updated` (notify) - emitted whenever a user's ChatGPT rate limits change.1510- `account/rateLimits/updated` (notify) - emitted whenever a user's ChatGPT rate limits change.

1511- `account/sendAddCreditsNudgeEmail` - ask ChatGPT to email a workspace owner about depleted credits or a reached usage limit.

1114- `mcpServer/oauthLogin/completed` (notify) - emitted after a `mcpServer/oauth/login` flow finishes; payload includes `{ name, success, error? }`.1512- `mcpServer/oauthLogin/completed` (notify) - emitted after a `mcpServer/oauth/login` flow finishes; payload includes `{ name, success, error? }`.

1513- `mcpServer/startupStatus/updated` (notify) - emitted when a configured MCP server's startup status changes for a loaded thread; payload includes `{ name, status, error }`.

1115 1514 

1116### 1) Check auth state1515### 1) Check auth state

1117 1516 

1183 ```1584 ```

1184 1585 

1185 ```json1586 ```json

1186 { "method": "account/updated", "params": { "authMode": "apikey" } }1587 {

1588 "method": "account/updated",

1589 "params": { "authMode": "apikey", "planType": null }

1590 }

1187 ```1591 ```

1188 1592 

1189### 3) Log in with ChatGPT (browser flow)1593### 3) Log in with ChatGPT (browser flow)

1215 ```1620 ```

1216 1621 

1217 ```json1622 ```json

1218 { "method": "account/updated", "params": { "authMode": "chatgpt" } }1623 {

1624 "method": "account/updated",

1625 "params": { "authMode": "chatgpt", "planType": "plus" }

1626 }

1627 ```

1628 

1629### 3b) Log in with ChatGPT (device-code flow)

1630 

1631Use this flow when your client owns the sign-in ceremony or when a browser callback is brittle.

1632 

16331. Start:

1634 

1635 ```json

1636 {

1637 "method": "account/login/start",

1638 "id": 4,

1639 "params": { "type": "chatgptDeviceCode" }

1640 }

1641 ```

1642 

1643 ```json

1644 {

1645 "id": 4,

1646 "result": {

1647 "type": "chatgptDeviceCode",

1648 "loginId": "<uuid>",

1649 "verificationUrl": "https://auth.openai.com/codex/device",

1650 "userCode": "ABCD-1234"

1651 }

1652 }

1653 ```

1654 

16552. Show `verificationUrl` and `userCode` to the user; the frontend owns the UX.

16563. Wait for notifications:

1657 

1658 ```json

1659 {

1660 "method": "account/login/completed",

1661 "params": { "loginId": "<uuid>", "success": true, "error": null }

1662 }

1663 ```

1664 

1665 ```json

1666 {

1667 "method": "account/updated",

1668 "params": { "authMode": "chatgpt", "planType": "plus" }

1669 }

1219 ```1670 ```

1220 1671 

1221### 3b) Log in with externally managed ChatGPT tokens (`chatgptAuthTokens`)1672### 3c) Log in with externally managed ChatGPT tokens (`chatgptAuthTokens`)

1222 1673 

1223Use this mode when a host application owns the user’s ChatGPT auth lifecycle and supplies tokens directly.1674Use this experimental mode only when a host application owns the user's ChatGPT auth lifecycle and supplies tokens directly. Clients must set `capabilities.experimentalApi = true` during `initialize` before using this login type.

1224 1675 

12251. Send:16761. Send:

1226 1677 

1230 "id": 7,1681 "id": 7,

1231 "params": {1682 "params": {

1232 "type": "chatgptAuthTokens",1683 "type": "chatgptAuthTokens",

1233 "idToken": "<jwt>",1684 "accessToken": "<jwt>",

1234 "accessToken": "<jwt>"1685 "chatgptAccountId": "org-123",

1686 "chatgptPlanType": "business"

1235 }1687 }

1236 }1688 }

1237 ```1689 ```

1252 ```json1706 ```json

1253 {1707 {

1254 "method": "account/updated",1708 "method": "account/updated",

1255 "params": { "authMode": "chatgptAuthTokens" }1709 "params": { "authMode": "chatgptAuthTokens", "planType": "business" }

1256 }1710 }

1257 ```1711 ```

1258 1712 

1264 "id": 8,1718 "id": 8,

1265 "params": { "reason": "unauthorized", "previousAccountId": "org-123" }1719 "params": { "reason": "unauthorized", "previousAccountId": "org-123" }

1266}1720}

1267{ "id": 8, "result": { "idToken": "<jwt>", "accessToken": "<jwt>" } }1721{ "id": 8, "result": { "accessToken": "<jwt>", "chatgptAccountId": "org-123", "chatgptPlanType": "business" } }

1268```1722```

1269 1723 

1270The server retries the original request after a successful refresh response. Requests time out after about 10 seconds.1724The server retries the original request after a successful refresh response. Requests time out after about 10 seconds.

1281```json1735```json

1282{ "method": "account/logout", "id": 5 }1736{ "method": "account/logout", "id": 5 }

1283{ "id": 5, "result": {} }1737{ "id": 5, "result": {} }

1284{ "method": "account/updated", "params": { "authMode": null } }1738{ "method": "account/updated", "params": { "authMode": null, "planType": null } }

1285```1739```

1286 1740 

1287### 6) Rate limits (ChatGPT)1741### 6) Rate limits (ChatGPT)

1293 "limitId": "codex",1747 "limitId": "codex",

1294 "limitName": null,1748 "limitName": null,

1295 "primary": { "usedPercent": 25, "windowDurationMins": 15, "resetsAt": 1730947200 },1749 "primary": { "usedPercent": 25, "windowDurationMins": 15, "resetsAt": 1730947200 },

1296 "secondary": null1750 "secondary": null,

1751 "rateLimitReachedType": null

1297 },1752 },

1298 "rateLimitsByLimitId": {1753 "rateLimitsByLimitId": {

1299 "codex": {1754 "codex": {

1300 "limitId": "codex",1755 "limitId": "codex",

1301 "limitName": null,1756 "limitName": null,

1302 "primary": { "usedPercent": 25, "windowDurationMins": 15, "resetsAt": 1730947200 },1757 "primary": { "usedPercent": 25, "windowDurationMins": 15, "resetsAt": 1730947200 },

1303 "secondary": null1758 "secondary": null,

1759 "rateLimitReachedType": null

1304 },1760 },

1305 "codex_other": {1761 "codex_other": {

1306 "limitId": "codex_other",1762 "limitId": "codex_other",

1307 "limitName": "codex_other",1763 "limitName": "codex_other",

1308 "primary": { "usedPercent": 42, "windowDurationMins": 60, "resetsAt": 1730950800 },1764 "primary": { "usedPercent": 42, "windowDurationMins": 60, "resetsAt": 1730950800 },

1309 "secondary": null1765 "secondary": null,

1766 "rateLimitReachedType": null

1310 }1767 }

1311 }1768 }

1312} }1769} }

1327- `usedPercent` is current usage within the quota window.1784- `usedPercent` is current usage within the quota window.

1328- `windowDurationMins` is the quota window length.1785- `windowDurationMins` is the quota window length.

1329- `resetsAt` is a Unix timestamp (seconds) for the next reset.1786- `resetsAt` is a Unix timestamp (seconds) for the next reset.

1787- `planType` is included when the server returns the ChatGPT plan associated with a bucket.

1788- `credits` is included when the server returns remaining workspace credit details.

1789- `rateLimitReachedType` identifies the server-classified limit state when one has been reached.

1790 

1791### 7) Notify a workspace owner about a limit

1792 

1793Use `account/sendAddCreditsNudgeEmail` to ask ChatGPT to email a workspace owner when credits are depleted or a usage limit has been reached.

1794 

1795```json

1796{ "method": "account/sendAddCreditsNudgeEmail", "id": 7, "params": { "creditType": "credits" } }

1797{ "id": 7, "result": { "status": "sent" } }

1798```

1799 

1800Use `creditType: "credits"` when workspace credits are depleted, or `creditType: "usage_limit"` when the workspace usage limit has been reached. If the owner was already notified recently, the response status is `cooldown_active`.