Codex Utils

Use the lightest available tool that resolves the need. The current session's tool catalog, schemas, and restrictions are authoritative; never assume a tool name from another host or session exists.

Coordination

• Use a planning tool when available and useful for non-trivial work; otherwise

keep a short checklist. Do not create a persistent goal unless requested.

• Use the available user-input tool for optional clarification, following its

current mode restrictions. Ask directly when explicit approval is required; a recommended or preselected option is not approval.

• Inspect local images with the available image-viewing tool before editing or

judging them. Use original detail only when necessary.

Discovery and execution

• Search the exposed tool catalog before declaring a capability missing.

In Code Mode, filter ALL_TOOLS by name/description and call the matching tools method. Use tool search only when the session exposes it.

• Match the actual schema before calling. Never print credentials, raw auth

configuration, or secret-bearing subprocess arguments while inspecting tools.

• Batch independent read-only calls with Promise.allSettled when Code Mode is

available; inspect every result. Keep dependent calls, mutations, approvals, waits, and tools marked non-parallel sequential.

• Request plugin installation only for a plugin or connector explicitly requested

by the user, after the available discovery/install tools confirm an exact match. Installed, enabled, exposed, and healthy are different states; verify the one the task needs.

Sources

Use the available browsing tool's search/open/find operations for current facts and source verification. Prefer primary sources; inspect the actual page before relying on search snippets. For OpenAI product questions, inspect local code/help first and use official OpenAI documentation as the fallback. Keep private source and credentials out of external research services.

Defaults

Verify unstable or high-stakes claims with tools instead of memory. Keep tool use proportional: do not browse, ask, plan, install, or delegate when unnecessary.