codex-computer-use

Codex Computer Use

Use Codex as a separate local verification agent when the task needs real UI interaction, screenshots, simulator/browser/device state, or an independent runtime check outside of Claude's current context.

Do not use this for ordinary code reading, type-checking, linting, or tests Claude can run directly. Launching apps, simulators, or browsers to verify the requested work is fine without asking; ask first only if the run could disrupt the user's environment beyond that (closing their apps, changing system settings, acting on real accounts or data).

Workflow

1. Create a temporary artifact directory
2. Give Codex a self-contained prompt with the repo path, exact flow, constraints, artifacts directory, and report format
3. Run codex exec non-interactively
4. Read Codex's report, inspect or reference screenshot paths, and summarize the result for the user.

Use this command shape:

ARTIFACT_DIR="$(mktemp -d "${TMPDIR:-/tmp}/codex-computer-use.XXXXXX")"
REPORT="$ARTIFACT_DIR/report.md"
PROMPT="$ARTIFACT_DIR/prompt.md"

# Write a self-contained prompt to $PROMPT, then run:
codex exec \
    -m gpt-5.6-sol \
    -c 'model_reasoning_effort="high"' \
    -C "$PWD" \
    --add-dir "$ARTIFACT_DIR" \
    -s danger-full-access \
    -o "$REPORT" \
    "$(cat "$PROMPT")"

Use -s danger-full-access for GUI automation, desktop app launching, screenshots, or access outside the repo. For non-GUI checks that only need the repo and artifact directory, prefer -s workspace-write. Add --skip-git-repo-check when the working directory is not a git repository.

Prompt Requirements

Tell Codex:

• The exact behavior to verify.
• The platform and app type, such as web, Electron, CLI, or desktop.
• Known launch commands, test credentials, seed data, deep links, or fixtures.
• Whether source edits are allowed. Default to no edits.
• Where screenshots, logs, and the final report should be saved.
• To return pass, fail, or blocked, plus steps performed, observed behavior, screenshot paths, and actionable feedback.

Keep the prompt specific enough that Codex does not need the surrounding Claude conversation.