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Set up Codex

Minimum Codex setup for a research project.

Result

The ChatGPT desktop app is installed, Codex is working in the intended primary folder, and a new task can discover the project’s root AGENTS.md.

The current official Codex quickstart lists desktop support for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It also distinguishes Codex for software-development work from ChatGPT Work for research, analysis, and office deliverables. Choose the surface that matches the task; this Evidence Lab route uses Codex when the workflow needs file and project tooling.

Actions

  1. Install the ChatGPT desktop app for your operating system from the official quickstart and sign in with the approved ChatGPT account.
  2. Start a local project or open the dedicated project folder. If a project contains several folders, make the intended repository the primary folder because Git operations and automatic AGENTS.md discovery use it.
  3. Review the task’s permission level before adding files or allowing commands; grant only what the first scenario needs.
  4. Add the de-identified practice material to inputs/ and keep credentials out of the project and chat.
  5. Create AGENTS.md at the primary folder root. Include the project goal, data boundary, input and output locations, required checks, confirmation boundaries, and handover format.
  6. Start a new Codex task and ask it to identify the working folder and restate those rules before requesting any change.
  7. Run a read-only orientation step: ask Codex to list the permitted inputs and the checks it will use. Correct any mismatch before the first working task.

Check

In a fresh task, Codex identifies the correct primary folder, finds the root AGENTS.md, names the goal, permitted inputs, expected output, required checks, and actions that need confirmation. It does this without copied context from an earlier task.

If it fails

Confirm that the intended folder is primary, the filename is exactly AGENTS.md, and the rules are within that folder’s instruction scope. If discovery still fails, open a fresh task from the folder and test again. Never solve discovery by placing secrets or private case evidence in the instruction file.

Next: Organise the workspace.