# API Reference
Complete API documentation for all modules in the Elixir Codex SDK.
## Module Overview
| Module | Purpose |
|--------|---------|
| `Codex` | Main entry point for starting and resuming threads |
| `Codex.Thread` | Manages conversation threads and turn execution |
| `Codex.Transport` | Transport behaviour for turn execution |
| `Codex.AppServer` | Stateful app-server JSON-RPC connection + v2 request APIs |
| `Codex.Agent` | Reusable agent definition (instructions, tools, hooks) |
| `Codex.RunConfig` | Per-run overrides (max_turns, history behavior, hooks) |
| `Codex.AgentRunner` | Multi-turn runner coordinating threads and tool invocations |
| `Codex.Exec` | Exec JSONL subprocess wrapper (`codex exec --experimental-json`) |
| `Codex.Events` | Event type definitions |
| `Codex.Items` | Thread item type definitions |
| `Codex.Options` | Configuration structs |
| `Codex.OutputSchemaFile` | JSON schema file management |
---
## Transports
The SDK supports both upstream external transports:
- **Exec JSONL (default)**: `codex exec --experimental-json`
- **App-server JSON-RPC (optional)**: `codex app-server` (newline-delimited JSON over stdio)
Select transport per-thread via `Codex.Thread.Options.transport`:
```elixir
{:ok, conn} = Codex.AppServer.connect(codex_opts)
{:ok, thread} = Codex.start_thread(codex_opts, %{transport: {:app_server, conn}})
```
## Codex
Main entry point for the Codex SDK. Use this module to create new threads or resume existing ones.
### Functions
#### `start_thread/2`
Creates a new conversation thread with the Codex agent.
**Signature**:
```elixir
@spec start_thread(Codex.Options.t(), Codex.Thread.Options.t()) ::
{:ok, Codex.Thread.t()} | {:error, term()}
```
**Parameters**:
- `codex_opts` (optional): Global Codex options. Defaults to `%Codex.Options{}`
- `thread_opts` (optional): Thread-specific options. Defaults to `%Codex.Thread.Options{}`
**Returns**:
- `{:ok, thread}`: New thread struct ready for turn execution
- `{:error, reason}`: Configuration error
**Examples**:
```elixir
# Start with defaults
{:ok, thread} = Codex.start_thread()
# Start with custom API key
codex_opts = %Codex.Options{api_key: "sk-..."}
{:ok, thread} = Codex.start_thread(codex_opts)
# Start with thread options
thread_opts = %Codex.Thread.Options{
sandbox: :read_only,
working_directory: "/path/to/project"
}
{:ok, thread} = Codex.start_thread(%Codex.Options{}, thread_opts)
```
---
#### `resume_thread/3`
Resumes an existing conversation thread from its persisted session.
**Signature**:
```elixir
@spec resume_thread(String.t(), Codex.Options.t(), Codex.Thread.Options.t()) ::
{:ok, Codex.Thread.t()} | {:error, term()}
```
**Parameters**:
- `thread_id`: ID of the thread to resume (from `~/.codex/sessions`)
- `codex_opts` (optional): Global Codex options
- `thread_opts` (optional): Thread-specific options
**Returns**:
- `{:ok, thread}`: Thread struct with existing thread_id
- `{:error, reason}`: Thread not found or configuration error
**Examples**:
```elixir
# Resume with thread ID
{:ok, thread} = Codex.resume_thread("thread_abc123")
# Resume with custom options
codex_opts = %Codex.Options{base_url: "https://custom.api"}
{:ok, thread} = Codex.resume_thread("thread_abc123", codex_opts)
```
**Notes**:
- Threads are persisted in `~/.codex/sessions` by codex-rs
- Thread history and context are automatically restored
- The thread_id is available after the first turn completes
---
## Agents and Runner
`Codex.Thread.run/3` delegates to a multi-turn runner that can be configured with reusable agents and per-run settings.
### `Codex.Agent`
Represents a reusable agent definition with fields for `instructions` or `prompt`, optional `handoffs`, `tools`, guardrail lists, hooks, and optional `model` or `model_settings` overrides. New fields mirror the agent runner ADRs:
- `handoff_description` and `handoffs` (lists of downstream `Codex.Agent` or `Codex.Handoff.wrap/2` structs) describe delegation targets
- `tool_use_behavior` controls when tool outputs end a run (`:run_llm_again` default, `:stop_on_first_tool`, `%{stop_at_tool_names: [...]}`, or a callback)
- `reset_tool_choice` resets tool choice hints after a tool call (default: true)
Build via `Codex.Agent.new/1` with maps, keyword lists, or an existing struct.
`Codex.Handoff.wrap/2` turns an agent into a handoff tool with optional input filters and history nesting controls; `Codex.AgentRunner.get_handoffs/2` filters enabled handoffs using the provided context. Guardrails can be created with `Codex.Guardrail.new/1` and `Codex.ToolGuardrail.new/1`; when supplied on the agent/run config they run before turns, after final outputs, and around tool calls, raising `Codex.GuardrailError` on rejections/tripwires.
### `Codex.RunConfig`
Per-run overrides built with `Codex.RunConfig.new/1`. Defaults: `max_turns: 10`, `nest_handoff_history: true`, `auto_previous_response_id: false`, optional `model` override, tracing metadata (`workflow`, `group`, `trace_id`, `trace_include_sensitive_data`, `tracing_disabled`), guardrail placeholders, and a `call_model_input_filter` hook slot (not yet wired). Validation ensures `max_turns` is a positive integer. The optional `file_search` field seeds hosted file search calls with `vector_store_ids`, `filters`, `ranking_options`, and `include_search_results` (run-level values override thread defaults). `conversation_id` and `previous_response_id` are recorded on thread metadata and used for future chaining; when `auto_previous_response_id` is enabled and a backend emits `response_id`, the runner updates `previous_response_id` automatically (currently `nil` on `codex exec --experimental-json`).
### `Codex.AgentRunner`
Low-level entry point for multi-turn execution. Accepts a thread, input, and options that may include `:agent`, `:run_config`, `:max_turns`, and per-turn flags (e.g., `output_schema`). `Codex.Thread.run/3` and `Codex.Thread.run_streamed/3` are facades over this runner.
Example:
```elixir
{:ok, thread} = Codex.start_thread()
{:ok, result} =
Codex.AgentRunner.run(thread, "Summarize docs",
run_config: %{max_turns: 5},
agent: %{instructions: "Be concise"}
)
```
---
## Codex.Thread
Manages individual conversation threads and turn execution. Threads maintain state across multiple turns.
### Type: `t()`
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Thread{
thread_id: String.t() | nil,
codex_opts: Codex.Options.t(),
thread_opts: Codex.Thread.Options.t()
}
```
**Fields**:
- `thread_id`: Unique thread identifier (nil until first turn completes)
- `codex_opts`: Global Codex configuration
- `thread_opts`: Thread-specific configuration
### Functions
#### `run/3`
Executes a multi-turn run and returns the complete result (blocking mode). Internally uses the agent runner and will follow continuation tokens until completion or `max_turns` is reached.
**Signature**:
```elixir
@spec run(t(), String.t(), map() | keyword()) ::
{:ok, Codex.Turn.Result.t()} | {:error, term()}
```
**Parameters**:
- `thread`: Thread struct from `Codex.start_thread/2` or `Codex.resume_thread/3`
- `input`: Prompt or instruction for the agent
- `opts` (optional): Per-turn options (e.g., `output_schema`, `env`, `attachments`) plus runner settings (`:agent`, `:run_config`, or `:max_turns`)
**Returns**:
- `{:ok, result}`: Complete turn result with items, response, and usage
- `{:error, {:max_turns_exceeded, max_turns, context}}`: Run exceeded the allowed turn count
- `{:error, {:turn_failed, error}}`: Agent encountered an error
- `{:error, reason}`: Other error (process, configuration, etc.)
**Examples**:
```elixir
# Basic usage
{:ok, thread} = Codex.start_thread()
{:ok, result} = Codex.Thread.run(thread, "Explain GenServers")
IO.puts(result.final_response)
# => "GenServers are..."
# With structured output
schema = %{
"type" => "object",
"properties" => %{
"summary" => %{"type" => "string"},
"key_points" => %{
"type" => "array",
"items" => %{"type" => "string"}
}
}
}
turn_opts = %{output_schema: schema}
{:ok, result} = Codex.Thread.run(thread, "Summarize GenServers", turn_opts)
{:ok, data} = Jason.decode(result.final_response)
IO.inspect(data["key_points"])
# Continue conversation
{:ok, result2} = Codex.Thread.run(thread, "Give me an example")
# Override turn limit
{:ok, result} = Codex.Thread.run(thread, "Try multiple steps", %{max_turns: 5})
```
**Behavior**:
- Blocks until the run completes or `max_turns` is hit (default: 10)
- Accumulates events and usage across turns
- Invokes registered tools automatically when codex requests them
- Thread struct is updated with thread_id after first turn; subsequent calls reuse it for context
---
#### `run_streamed/3`
Executes a turn and returns a streaming result wrapper. Semantic events are exposed via
`Codex.RunResultStreaming.events/1` and raw Codex events via `raw_events/1`.
**Signature**:
```elixir
@spec run_streamed(t(), String.t(), map() | keyword()) ::
{:ok, Codex.RunResultStreaming.t()} | {:error, term()}
```
**Parameters**:
- `thread`: Thread struct
- `input`: Prompt or instruction
- `opts` (optional): Turn-specific options plus optional runner settings (`:agent`, `:run_config`)
**Returns**:
- `{:ok, result}`: `Codex.RunResultStreaming` with semantic and raw event streams plus cancellation controls
- `{:error, reason}`: Configuration or process error
**Examples**:
```elixir
# Basic streaming
{:ok, thread} = Codex.start_thread()
{:ok, result} = Codex.Thread.run_streamed(thread, "Analyze this codebase")
for event <- Codex.RunResultStreaming.raw_events(result) do
case event do
%Codex.Events.ItemStarted{item: item} ->
IO.puts("Started: #{item.type}")
%Codex.Events.ItemCompleted{item: %{type: :agent_message, text: text}} ->
IO.puts("Response: #{text}")
%Codex.Events.ItemCompleted{item: %{type: :command_execution} = cmd} ->
IO.puts("Command: #{cmd.command} (exit: #{cmd.exit_code})")
%Codex.Events.TurnCompleted{usage: usage} ->
IO.puts("Tokens: #{usage.input_tokens + usage.output_tokens}")
_ ->
:ok
end
end
# Process first N events
{:ok, stream_result} = Codex.Thread.run_streamed(thread, "Generate 100 files")
first_10 = stream_result |> Codex.RunResultStreaming.raw_events() |> Enum.take(10)
# Filter specific events
{:ok, stream_result} = Codex.Thread.run_streamed(thread, "Fix bugs")
commands =
stream_result
|> Codex.RunResultStreaming.raw_events()
|> Stream.filter(fn
%Codex.Events.ItemCompleted{item: %{type: :command_execution}} -> true
_ -> false
end)
|> Enum.to_list()
```
**Behavior**:
- Returns immediately with stream
- Events yielded as they arrive from codex-rs
- Stream is lazy (events fetched on demand)
- Automatic cleanup when stream completes or is halted
- Thread struct must be updated with thread_id from `ThreadStarted` event
---
#### `run_auto/3`
Executes an auto-run loop, retrying turn execution while the Codex engine exposes a continuation token.
**Signature**:
```elixir
@spec run_auto(t(), String.t(), keyword()) ::
{:ok, Codex.Turn.Result.t()} | {:error, term()}
```
**Parameters**:
- `thread`: Thread struct from `Codex.start_thread/2`
- `input`: Prompt or instruction for the agent
- `opts` (keyword):
- `:max_attempts` (default: `3`) — maximum auto-run attempts
- `:backoff` (default: exponential backoff) — unary function invoked before each retry
- `:turn_opts` (default: `%{}`) — forwarded to each `run/3` attempt
**Returns**:
- `{:ok, result}`: Completed turn with aggregated events, usage, and `attempts` count
- `{:error, {:max_attempts_reached, max, context}}`: Continuation persisted after exhausting attempts
- `{:error, reason}`: Underlying execution failure
**Examples**:
```elixir
{:ok, thread} = Codex.start_thread()
# Automatically resolve continuation tokens until completion
{:ok, result} = Codex.Thread.run_auto(thread, "Generate release notes")
result.attempts
# => 2
result.thread.usage
# => %{"input_tokens" => 42, "output_tokens" => 35, ...}
# Custom retry policy (no sleep) with explicit max attempts
opts = [max_attempts: 5, backoff: fn _ -> :ok end]
case Codex.Thread.run_auto(thread, "Execute plan", opts) do
{:ok, result} -> IO.inspect(result.final_response)
{:error, {:max_attempts_reached, _, %{continuation: token}}} ->
Logger.warn("manual follow-up required: #{token}")
end
```
**Behavior**:
- Invokes `run/3` sequentially while continuation tokens are present
- Applies backoff between attempts; default uses exponential sleep
- Aggregates usage metrics and events across attempts
- Returns updated thread with continuation token cleared on success
---
## Codex.Exec
GenServer that manages the `codex-rs` process lifecycle. This module is typically used internally by `Codex.Thread`, but can be used directly for advanced use cases.
---
## Codex.Tools
The tool registry keeps parity with Python's decorator-based tooling API. Tools can be registered dynamically and invoked automatically during auto-run cycles when the agent requests an external capability.
### `register/2`
Registers a tool module that implements `Codex.Tool`.
```elixir
@spec register(module(), keyword()) :: {:ok, Codex.Tools.Handle.t()} | {:error, term()}
```
- `:name` — identifier used by Codex events (defaults to module metadata or underscored module name)
- `:description`, `:schema` — optional metadata merged with tool-provided metadata
### `invoke/3`
Invokes a registered tool with decoded arguments and contextual data.
```elixir
@spec invoke(String.t(), map(), map()) :: {:ok, map()} | {:error, term()}
```
Context includes the current thread struct, event metadata, and any custom entries stored under `Thread.Options.metadata` (mirroring Python's tool context).
### `deregister/1`
Removes a registered tool. Typically used in tests or when dynamically unloading capabilities.
### `metrics/0`
Returns an in-memory snapshot of invocation counters per tool.
```elixir
@spec metrics() :: %{optional(String.t()) => %{success: non_neg_integer(), failure: non_neg_integer(), last_latency_ms: non_neg_integer(), total_latency_ms: non_neg_integer(), last_error: term() | nil}}
```
Useful for integration tests or lightweight observability without relying on external telemetry backends.
### `reset_metrics/0`
Clears all accumulated metrics.
```elixir
@spec reset_metrics() :: :ok
```
Intended primarily for test setup/teardown routines.
### Telemetry
Every invocation emits `:telemetry` events using the following namespaces:
- `[:codex, :tool, :start]` — dispatched prior to executing a tool, with metadata including `:tool`, `:call_id`, `:attempt`, and `:retry?`
- `[:codex, :tool, :success]` — emitted on success with the same metadata plus the returned `:output`; measurements include `:duration` in native units
- `[:codex, :tool, :failure]` — emitted on failures with the same measurements and an `:error` entry describing the failure
### Codex.FunctionTool
Function-backed tools can be defined with `use Codex.FunctionTool`, which generates a JSON schema from the supplied parameter definitions and handles enablement/error hooks:
```elixir
defmodule Math.Add do
use Codex.FunctionTool,
name: "add_numbers",
description: "Adds two numbers",
parameters: %{left: :number, right: :number},
enabled?: fn _ctx -> true end,
on_error: fn reason, _ctx -> {:ok, %{message: inspect(reason)}} end,
handler: fn %{"left" => left, "right" => right}, _ctx ->
{:ok, %{"sum" => left + right}}
end
end
```
Schemas are strict by default (`"additionalProperties": false`) and can be overridden via the `:schema` option. `:enabled?` gates invocation, while `:on_error` can turn failures into usable outputs.
### Codex.ToolOutput
Tools may return structured outputs using `%Codex.ToolOutput.Text{}`, `%Codex.ToolOutput.Image{}`, or `%Codex.ToolOutput.FileContent{}` (or the `text/1`, `image/1`, and `file/1` helpers). Outputs are normalized to codex-friendly input items (`input_text`, `input_image`, `input_file`) by the runner before being forwarded back to the model. File payloads support `file_id`, `file_url`, inline `data`, `filename`, and `mime_type`; image payloads support `url`/`file_id` plus `detail`. Lists of outputs are flattened and deduplicated to avoid resending the same file/image inputs across continuations. Passing a `%Codex.Files.Attachment{}` automatically produces an `input_file` item with the staged file encoded as base64 alongside the attachment checksum id.
### Hosted tools
Hosted capabilities mirror the Python SDK wrappers and are exposed as tool modules:
- `Codex.Tools.ShellTool` — runs shell commands via a provided `:executor`, supports `:timeout_ms`, `:max_output_bytes`, and optional `:approval` hooks
- `Codex.Tools.ApplyPatchTool` — routes patches to a custom `:editor` callback
- `Codex.Tools.ComputerTool` — performs computer actions guarded by a `:safety` callback and optional approval hook, delegated to an `:executor`
- `Codex.Tools.FileSearchTool` / `Codex.Tools.WebSearchTool` — dispatch search calls through a `:searcher` callback while carrying configured filters/vector store IDs (plus ranking options and `include_search_results` pulled from thread/run `file_search` config)
- `Codex.Tools.ImageGenerationTool` / `Codex.Tools.CodeInterpreterTool` — call provided `:generator` / `:runner` callbacks
Defaults for hosted file search can be set on `Thread.Options.file_search` or `RunConfig.file_search`; request arguments supplied by the model still win.
Register them like any other tool, passing callbacks in registration metadata:
```elixir
{:ok, _} =
Codex.Tools.register(Codex.Tools.ShellTool,
executor: &MyShell.exec/3,
timeout_ms: 1_000
)
```
---
## Codex.Files
Staging and attachment helpers that keep file workflows deterministic.
- `stage/2` — copies a source file into the staging directory, returning `%Codex.Files.Attachment{}` with checksum, size, and persistence metadata.
- `attach/2` — appends a staged attachment to `Codex.Thread.Options`, deduplicating by checksum.
- `list_staged/0` / `cleanup!/0` / `reset!/0` — inspect and manage staged files during tests.
On the exec JSONL transport (`codex exec --experimental-json`), attachments are forwarded as images via repeated `--image <path>` flags. The upstream exec CLI does not currently support arbitrary non-image file attachments.
Returning a `%Codex.Files.Attachment{}` from a tool (or passing one to `Codex.ToolOutput.normalize/1`) yields an `input_file` payload with the checksum as `file_id` and the staged contents base64-encoded.
---
## Realtime and Voice
Realtime and voice APIs from the Python SDK are not yet available in Elixir. The stub modules `Codex.Realtime` and `Codex.Voice` return `{:error, %Codex.Error{kind: :unsupported_feature}}` with descriptive messages to make the gap explicit until support lands.
---
## Codex.Approvals.StaticPolicy
Provides a lightweight approval policy used to gate tool invocations or sandbox-sensitive operations.
- `allow/1` — always approves (`StaticPolicy.allow(reason: "optional")`).
- `deny/1` — always denies with a custom reason, used in tests to emulate blocked flows.
- `review_tool/3` — invoked by `Codex.Thread.run_auto/3` to determine whether a requested tool may execute.
---
## Codex.MCP.Client
Thin client for performing capability handshake with MCP-compatible servers.
- `handshake/2` — sends a handshake request (`{"type": "handshake"}`) and records advertised capabilities.
- `capabilities/1` — returns the negotiated capability list used to seed the tool registry.
- `list_tools/2` — fetches tool metadata, caches responses by default, and supports `allow`/`deny`/`filter` options plus `cache?: false` to bypass cached entries.
- `call_tool/4` — invokes a tool with `retries`/`backoff` and optional `approval` callback.
### Hosted MCP tool
`Codex.Tools.HostedMcpTool` wraps an MCP client for use inside the tool registry. Register it with a `:client` and `:tool` plus optional `:retries`, `:backoff`, or `:approval` fields to mirror Python's hosted MCP wrapper.
---
## Codex.Session
Behaviour for persisting conversation history between runs. The built-in `Codex.Session.Memory` adapter stores entries in an Agent for tests and short-lived runs.
- `session` / `session_input_callback` — configure on `RunConfig` to load history before a run and optionally transform the input. Callbacks receive the input and loaded history.
- `conversation_id` / `previous_response_id` — optional identifiers stored on thread metadata and persisted alongside session entries (optionally updated by `auto_previous_response_id` when the backend provides a `response_id`).
---
## Codex.Telemetry
Helper module for emitting telemetry and wiring default logging.
- `emit/3` — dispatches telemetry events (`:telemetry.execute`).
- `attach_default_logger/1` — logs thread start/stop/exception events with configurable log level.
## Error Types
- `Codex.TransportError` — returned when the codex executable exits non-zero. Includes `exit_status` and optional `stderr` snippet.
- `Codex.ApprovalError` — returned when an approval policy denies a tool invocation, exposing `tool` and `reason` fields.
### Functions
#### `start_link/1`
Starts an Exec GenServer and spawns the codex-rs process.
**Signature**:
```elixir
@spec start_link(keyword()) :: GenServer.on_start()
```
**Options**:
- `:input` (required): Input prompt for the turn
- `:codex_path` (optional): Path to codex binary
- `:thread_id` (optional): Existing thread ID to resume
- `:base_url` (optional): OpenAI API base URL
- `:api_key` (optional): OpenAI API key
- `:model` (optional): Model name
- `:sandbox_mode` (optional): Sandbox mode (`:read_only`, `:workspace_write`, `:danger_full_access`)
- `:working_directory` (optional): Working directory for agent
- `:skip_git_repo_check` (optional): Skip Git repository check
- `:output_schema_file` (optional): Path to JSON schema file
**Returns**:
- `{:ok, pid}`: GenServer process ID
- `{:error, reason}`: Spawn or configuration error
**Examples**:
```elixir
# Basic usage
{:ok, pid} = Codex.Exec.start_link(
input: "Hello, Codex",
codex_path: "/usr/local/bin/codex"
)
# With all options
{:ok, pid} = Codex.Exec.start_link(
input: "Analyze code",
codex_path: "/usr/local/bin/codex",
thread_id: "thread_abc123",
api_key: "sk-...",
model: "o1",
sandbox_mode: :read_only,
working_directory: "/path/to/project",
output_schema_file: "/tmp/schema.json"
)
```
---
#### `run_turn/2`
Starts turn execution and returns a reference for event tracking.
**Signature**:
```elixir
@spec run_turn(pid()) :: reference()
```
**Parameters**:
- `pid`: Exec GenServer process ID
**Returns**:
- `reference()`: Unique reference for this turn
**Usage**:
```elixir
{:ok, pid} = Codex.Exec.start_link(input: "test")
ref = Codex.Exec.run_turn(pid)
# Receive events
receive do
{:event, ^ref, event} ->
IO.inspect(event)
{:done, ^ref} ->
IO.puts("Turn complete")
{:error, ^ref, error} ->
IO.puts("Error: #{inspect(error)}")
end
```
---
## Codex.Events
Event type definitions for all events emitted during turn execution.
### Event Types
#### `ThreadStarted`
Emitted when a new thread is started.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.ThreadStarted{
type: :thread_started,
thread_id: String.t()
}
```
**Fields**:
- `type`: Always `:thread_started`
- `thread_id`: Unique identifier for the thread (format: `"thread_*"`)
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Events.ThreadStarted{
type: :thread_started,
thread_id: "thread_abc123xyz"
}
```
---
#### `TurnStarted`
Emitted when a turn begins processing.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.TurnStarted{
type: :turn_started
}
```
---
#### `TurnCompleted`
Emitted when a turn completes successfully.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.TurnCompleted{
type: :turn_completed,
usage: Codex.Events.Usage.t()
}
```
**Fields**:
- `type`: Always `:turn_completed`
- `usage`: Token usage statistics
**Usage Type**:
```elixir
@type usage() :: %Codex.Events.Usage{
input_tokens: non_neg_integer(),
cached_input_tokens: non_neg_integer(),
output_tokens: non_neg_integer()
}
```
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Events.TurnCompleted{
type: :turn_completed,
usage: %Codex.Events.Usage{
input_tokens: 1500,
cached_input_tokens: 500,
output_tokens: 800
}
}
```
---
#### `TurnFailed`
Emitted when a turn fails with an error.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.TurnFailed{
type: :turn_failed,
error: Codex.Events.ThreadError.t()
}
```
**Error Type**:
```elixir
@type thread_error() :: %Codex.Events.ThreadError{
message: String.t()
}
```
---
#### `ThreadTokenUsageUpdated`
Emitted when the app server publishes in-flight token usage totals.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.ThreadTokenUsageUpdated{
thread_id: String.t() | nil,
turn_id: String.t() | nil,
usage: map(),
delta: map() | nil
}
```
**Fields**:
- `thread_id`: Explicit thread identifier provided by Codex
- `turn_id`: Turn identifier when available
- `usage`: Cumulative token usage so far
- `delta`: Optional incremental token counts
---
#### `TurnDiffUpdated`
Diff metadata streamed alongside turn progress.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.TurnDiffUpdated{
thread_id: String.t() | nil,
turn_id: String.t() | nil,
diff: map()
}
```
---
#### `TurnCompaction`
Signals that Codex compacted a turn's history, often to trim token usage.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.TurnCompaction{
thread_id: String.t() | nil,
turn_id: String.t() | nil,
compaction: map(),
stage: :started | :completed | :failed | :unknown | String.t()
}
```
---
#### `Error`
General error notification emitted by Codex.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.Error{
message: String.t(),
thread_id: String.t() | nil,
turn_id: String.t() | nil
}
```
---
#### `ItemStarted`
Emitted when a new item is added to the thread.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.ItemStarted{
type: :item_started,
item: Codex.Items.t(),
thread_id: String.t() | nil,
turn_id: String.t() | nil
}
```
---
#### `ItemUpdated`
Emitted when an item's state changes.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.ItemUpdated{
type: :item_updated,
item: Codex.Items.t(),
thread_id: String.t() | nil,
turn_id: String.t() | nil
}
```
---
#### `ItemCompleted`
Emitted when an item reaches a terminal state.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Events.ItemCompleted{
type: :item_completed,
item: Codex.Items.t(),
thread_id: String.t() | nil,
turn_id: String.t() | nil
}
```
---
## Codex.Items
Thread item type definitions representing different actions and artifacts.
### Item Types
#### `AgentMessage`
Text or JSON response from the agent.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Items.AgentMessage{
id: String.t(),
type: :agent_message,
text: String.t(),
parsed: map() | list() | nil
}
```
**Fields**:
- `id`: Unique item identifier
- `type`: Always `:agent_message`
- `text`: Response text (natural language or JSON when using output schema)
- `parsed`: Decoded payload when an output schema is supplied (otherwise `nil`)
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Items.AgentMessage{
id: "msg_abc123",
type: :agent_message,
text: "GenServers are process abstractions in Elixir...",
parsed: nil
}
```
---
#### `Reasoning`
Agent's reasoning summary.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Items.Reasoning{
id: String.t(),
type: :reasoning,
text: String.t()
}
```
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Items.Reasoning{
id: "reasoning_1",
type: :reasoning,
text: "To fix this issue, I need to first understand the error, then locate the relevant code..."
}
```
---
#### `CommandExecution`
Shell command executed by the agent.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Items.CommandExecution{
id: String.t(),
type: :command_execution,
command: String.t(),
aggregated_output: String.t(),
exit_code: integer() | nil,
status: :in_progress | :completed | :failed | :declined
}
```
**Fields**:
- `command`: Command line that was executed
- `aggregated_output`: Combined stdout and stderr
- `exit_code`: Exit status (nil while running, integer when complete)
- `status`: Current status of execution
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Items.CommandExecution{
id: "cmd_1",
type: :command_execution,
command: "mix test",
aggregated_output: "...\n42 tests, 0 failures\n",
exit_code: 0,
status: :completed
}
```
---
#### `FileChange`
File modifications made by the agent.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Items.FileChange{
id: String.t(),
type: :file_change,
changes: [file_update_change()],
status: :in_progress | :completed | :failed | :declined
}
```
**Change Type**:
```elixir
@type file_update_change() :: %{
path: String.t(),
kind: :add | :delete | :update
}
```
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Items.FileChange{
id: "patch_1",
type: :file_change,
changes: [
%{path: "lib/my_app.ex", kind: :update},
%{path: "lib/new_module.ex", kind: :add}
],
status: :completed
}
```
---
#### `McpToolCall`
Model Context Protocol tool invocation.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Items.McpToolCall{
id: String.t(),
type: :mcp_tool_call,
server: String.t(),
tool: String.t(),
arguments: map() | list() | nil,
result: map() | nil,
error: map() | nil,
status: :in_progress | :completed | :failed
}
```
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Items.McpToolCall{
id: "mcp_1",
type: :mcp_tool_call,
server: "database_server",
tool: "query_records",
arguments: %{"query" => "SELECT * FROM users"},
result: %{"content" => [%{"type" => "text", "text" => "ok"}]},
status: :completed
}
```
---
#### `WebSearch`
Web search query and results.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Items.WebSearch{
id: String.t(),
type: :web_search,
query: String.t()
}
```
---
#### `TodoList`
Agent's running task list.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Items.TodoList{
id: String.t(),
type: :todo_list,
items: [todo_item()]
}
```
**Todo Item Type**:
```elixir
@type todo_item() :: %{
text: String.t(),
completed: boolean()
}
```
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Items.TodoList{
id: "todo_1",
type: :todo_list,
items: [
%{text: "Analyze codebase", completed: true},
%{text: "Identify issues", completed: true},
%{text: "Propose fixes", completed: false}
]
}
```
---
#### `Error`
Non-fatal error item.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Items.Error{
id: String.t(),
type: :error,
message: String.t()
}
```
---
## Codex.Options
Configuration structs for different levels of the SDK.
### `Codex.Options`
Global Codex configuration.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Options{
codex_path_override: String.t() | nil,
base_url: String.t() | nil,
api_key: String.t() | nil
}
```
**Fields**:
- `codex_path_override`: Custom path to codex binary (defaults to system PATH)
- `base_url`: OpenAI API base URL (defaults to official URL)
- `api_key`: OpenAI API key (overrides environment variable)
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Options{
codex_path_override: "/custom/path/to/codex",
base_url: "https://api.openai.com",
api_key: System.get_env("OPENAI_API_KEY")
}
```
---
### `Codex.Thread.Options`
Thread-specific configuration.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Thread.Options{
metadata: map(),
labels: map(),
auto_run: boolean(),
approval_policy: module() | nil,
approval_hook: module() | nil,
approval_timeout_ms: pos_integer(),
sandbox: :default | :strict | :permissive,
attachments: [map()],
file_search: Codex.FileSearch.t() | nil
}
```
**Fields**:
- `metadata`: Arbitrary per-thread metadata stored on the thread and passed to tool contexts (commonly includes `:tool_context` or approval hints)
- `labels`: Optional label map merged with server metadata
- `auto_run`: Enable CLI-driven auto-run (default: false)
- `approval_policy` / `approval_hook` / `approval_timeout_ms`: Approval gating for tool calls
- `sandbox`: Sandbox hint (`:default`, `:strict`, `:permissive`)
- `attachments`: List of `%Codex.Files.Attachment{}` forwarded to the codex binary
- `file_search`: Default file search config (`vector_store_ids`, `filters`, `ranking_options`, `include_search_results`) merged with per-run overrides
**Example**:
```elixir
%Codex.Thread.Options{
metadata: %{tool_context: %{project: "docs"}},
attachments: [%Codex.Files.Attachment{...}],
file_search: %{vector_store_ids: ["vs_default"], include_search_results: true}
}
```
---
### Turn options
Turn-specific configuration passed as a map or keyword list.
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %{
optional(:output_schema) => map() | nil
}
```
**Fields**:
- `output_schema`: JSON schema for structured output (nil for natural language)
**Example**:
```elixir
turn_opts = %{
output_schema: %{
"type" => "object",
"properties" => %{
"summary" => %{"type" => "string"},
"status" => %{"type" => "string", "enum" => ["ok", "error"]}
},
"required" => ["summary", "status"]
}
}
```
---
## Codex.OutputSchemaFile
Utility for managing JSON schema temporary files.
### Functions
#### `create/1`
Creates a temporary file with the JSON schema.
**Signature**:
```elixir
@spec create(map() | nil) :: {:ok, {String.t() | nil, function()}} | {:error, term()}
```
**Parameters**:
- `schema`: JSON schema map or nil
**Returns**:
- `{:ok, {path, cleanup}}`: Path to temp file and cleanup function
- `{:error, reason}`: Error creating file
**Examples**:
```elixir
# With schema
schema = %{"type" => "object", "properties" => %{}}
{:ok, {path, cleanup}} = Codex.OutputSchemaFile.create(schema)
# Use path...
# Clean up
cleanup.()
# Without schema
{:ok, {nil, cleanup}} = Codex.OutputSchemaFile.create(nil)
cleanup.() # No-op
```
**Notes**:
- Creates temp directory in system tmp folder
- Writes JSON to `schema.json` in that directory
- Cleanup function removes entire directory
- Cleanup is idempotent (safe to call multiple times)
- Used internally by `Codex.Thread`
---
## Type Aliases
### `Codex.Turn.Result`
Result of a completed turn (from `run/3`).
**Type**:
```elixir
@type t() :: %Codex.Turn.Result{
thread: Codex.Thread.t(),
events: [Codex.Events.t()],
final_response: Codex.Items.AgentMessage.t() | map() | nil,
usage: map() | nil,
raw: map(),
attempts: non_neg_integer(),
last_response_id: String.t() | nil
}
```
**Fields**:
- `thread`: Updated thread struct containing continuation & metadata
- `events`: Events emitted during the turn
- `final_response`: Last agent message (typed struct with optional `parsed` payload)
- `usage`: Token usage statistics (nil if turn failed before completion)
- `raw`: Underlying exec metadata (`events`, CLI flags, etc.)
- `attempts`: Number of attempts performed (useful for auto-run)
- `last_response_id`: Last backend response identifier when surfaced (currently `nil` on `codex exec --experimental-json`)
**Helpers**:
- `Codex.Turn.Result.json/1` — returns `{:ok, map()}` when structured output was decoded, or an error tuple (`{:error, :not_structured}` / `{:error, {:invalid_json, reason}}`).
---
## Common Patterns
### Error Handling
```elixir
case Codex.Thread.run(thread, input) do
{:ok, result} ->
process_result(result)
{:error, {:turn_failed, error}} ->
Logger.error("Turn failed: #{error.message}")
{:error, :turn_failed}
{:error, {:process, reason}} ->
Logger.error("Process error: #{inspect(reason)}")
{:error, :process_error}
{:error, reason} ->
Logger.error("Unknown error: #{inspect(reason)}")
{:error, :unknown}
end
```
### Streaming with Pattern Matching
```elixir
{:ok, stream} = Codex.Thread.run_streamed(thread, input)
Enum.reduce(stream, %{commands: [], files: []}, fn
%ItemCompleted{item: %{type: :command_execution} = cmd}, acc ->
%{acc | commands: [cmd | acc.commands]}
%ItemCompleted{item: %{type: :file_change} = file}, acc ->
%{acc | files: [file | acc.files]}
_, acc ->
acc
end)
```
### Structured Output with Validation
```elixir
schema = %{
"type" => "object",
"properties" => %{
"status" => %{"type" => "string", "enum" => ["success", "failure"]},
"data" => %{"type" => "object"}
},
"required" => ["status"]
}
turn_opts = %{output_schema: schema}
{:ok, result} = Codex.Thread.run(thread, "Check system status", turn_opts)
case Jason.decode(result.final_response) do
{:ok, %{"status" => "success", "data" => data}} ->
process_data(data)
{:ok, %{"status" => "failure"}} ->
handle_failure()
{:error, _} ->
{:error, :invalid_json}
end
```
---
## Migration from TypeScript SDK
For developers familiar with the TypeScript SDK:
| TypeScript | Elixir |
|------------|--------|
| `new Codex()` | `Codex` module (no instance needed) |
| `codex.startThread()` | `Codex.start_thread()` |
| `codex.resumeThread(id)` | `Codex.resume_thread(id)` |
| `await thread.run(input)` | `Codex.Thread.run(thread, input)` |
| `await thread.runStreamed(input)` | `Codex.Thread.run_streamed(thread, input)` |
| `for await (const event of events)` | `Enum.each(stream, fn event -> ... end)` |
| `CodexOptions` | `%Codex.Options{}` |
| `ThreadOptions` | `%Codex.Thread.Options{}` |
| `TurnOptions` | map/keyword (e.g., `%{output_schema: schema}`) |
---
## See Also
- [Architecture Guide](02-architecture.md)
- [Implementation Plan](03-implementation-plan.md)
- [Testing Strategy](04-testing-strategy.md)
- [Examples](06-examples.md)