The power user’s guide to Codex: parallelizing workflows, planning techniques, advanced context engineering tips, automating code reviews, and more | Alexander Embiricos | How I AI

The podcast explores how to maximize the use of Codex, OpenAI's coding agent, featuring Alexander Embiricos, product lead for Codex. It details practical applications of Codex, from helping non-technical users modify code to aiding software engineers in complex projects. Embiricos explains how Codex was instrumental in building the Sora Android app in just 28 days. The discussion covers using Codex for answering questions, creating Git work trees for parallel tasks, and generating thorough plans for larger features. A key point is the importance of providing context to the AI for better results, as well as being polite to AI. The integration of Codex with GitHub for automated code review is highlighted as a major productivity booster.

Outlines

Part 1: Introduction, Codex Overview

Part 2: Getting Started, Basic Operations

Part 3: Workflow Optimization, Git Work Trees

Part 4: Advanced Planning, Implementation

Part 5: Performance, Latency, User Experience

Part 6: Integration, Code Review, Productivity

Part 7: Future of AI Development

Part 8: Interface, Atlas, Side Chat

Part 9: Tips, Prompting, Conclusion

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The power user’s guide to Codex: parallelizing workflows, planning techniques, advanced context engineering tips, automating code reviews, and more | Alexander Embiricos

How I AI

Part 1: Introduction, Codex Overview

00:00Codex's Strengths: Thoroughness, Complex Tasks, and Software Engineering Teammate

Codex's Strengths: Thoroughness, Complex Tasks, and Software Engineering Teammate

00:15Codex Deep Dive: Empowering Developers with AI-Driven Coding Assistance

Codex Deep Dive: Empowering Developers with AI-Driven Coding Assistance

Part 2: Getting Started, Basic Operations

02:06Codex Zero to One: Installation, Initial Setup, and Basic Question Answering

Codex Zero to One: Installation, Initial Setup, and Basic Question Answering

04:19Parallel Tasking with Codex: Fixing Bugs and Implementing Features in Existing Code

Parallel Tasking with Codex: Fixing Bugs and Implementing Features in Existing Code

Part 3: Workflow Optimization, Git Work Trees

06:12Managing Code Changes with Work Trees: Avoiding Conflicts and Streamlining Review

Managing Code Changes with Work Trees: Avoiding Conflicts and Streamlining Review

08:13Streamlining Development: Using Codex to Manage Git Work Trees for Parallel Changes

Streamlining Development: Using Codex to Manage Git Work Trees for Parallel Changes

10:33Codex for Explanatory and Discrete Tasks: Parallelization and Git Fundamentals

Codex for Explanatory and Discrete Tasks: Parallelization and Git Fundamentals

Part 4: Advanced Planning, Implementation

12:55OpenAI's Use of Codex: Building the Sora Android App in 28 Days

OpenAI's Use of Codex: Building the Sora Android App in 28 Days

14:15Planning with Codex: Structuring Complex Tasks for Effective AI-Assisted Development

Planning with Codex: Structuring Complex Tasks for Effective AI-Assisted Development

16:35Implementing Plans with Codex: From TypeScript SDK to Python SDK

Implementing Plans with Codex: From TypeScript SDK to Python SDK

17:49Architectural Thinking and Prototyping: Balancing Planning and Vibe Coding with Codex

Architectural Thinking and Prototyping: Balancing Planning and Vibe Coding with Codex

Part 5: Performance, Latency, User Experience

20:21Accelerating Learning and Execution: Codex for Prototyping and Production Apps

Accelerating Learning and Execution: Codex for Prototyping and Production Apps

21:34Balancing Planning and Speed: Deciding When to Plan with Codex

Balancing Planning and Speed: Deciding When to Plan with Codex

23:32Managing Latency: Finding Ways to Fill Time While Codex is Thinking

Managing Latency: Finding Ways to Fill Time While Codex is Thinking

24:47Improving Codex Speed and User Experience: Reducing Waiting Time and Enhancing Reasoning

Improving Codex Speed and User Experience: Reducing Waiting Time and Enhancing Reasoning

Part 6: Integration, Code Review, Productivity

26:42Integrating Codex with GitHub: Automating Code Review and Bug Detection

Integrating Codex with GitHub: Automating Code Review and Bug Detection

28:01Automating Code Review: Improving Code Quality and Developer Productivity with Codex

Automating Code Review: Improving Code Quality and Developer Productivity with Codex

29:59Codex Adoption at OpenAI: Increased Productivity and Widespread Use

Codex Adoption at OpenAI: Increased Productivity and Widespread Use

31:41Proactive vs. Reactive Agents: Balancing Automation and Human Context in Code Review

Proactive vs. Reactive Agents: Balancing Automation and Human Context in Code Review

Part 7: Future of AI Development

33:04Agentic Product Design: Latency, Perceived Quality, and the Role of Humans

Agentic Product Design: Latency, Perceived Quality, and the Role of Humans

35:08The Future of Development: Thinking, Architecture, and Curating Agent Work

The Future of Development: Thinking, Architecture, and Curating Agent Work

36:38Codex Recap: Installation, Task Setup, Planning, and Automation

Codex Recap: Installation, Task Setup, Planning, and Automation

Part 8: Interface, Atlas, Side Chat

37:58Harness Wars: The Importance of the Interface to the Model

Harness Wars: The Importance of the Interface to the Model

38:38Model Quality and User Experience: The Two Pillars of Codex's Harness

Model Quality and User Experience: The Two Pillars of Codex's Harness

41:42Product Overhead and User Preferences: Balancing CLI and IDE Experiences

Product Overhead and User Preferences: Balancing CLI and IDE Experiences

43:50Atlas Use Cases: Asking Chat for Everything and Tailored Answers

Atlas Use Cases: Asking Chat for Everything and Tailored Answers

44:52Side Chat and Politeness: Protecting Humanity in the Age of AI

Side Chat and Politeness: Protecting Humanity in the Age of AI

47:10Side Chat in Action: Summarizing Articles and Rewriting Text

Side Chat in Action: Summarizing Articles and Rewriting Text

Part 9: Tips, Prompting, Conclusion

48:54Prompting Techniques: Context, Ambiguity, and Starting a New Chat

Prompting Techniques: Context, Ambiguity, and Starting a New Chat

51:26Hidden Hot Tip: Accessing and Utilizing Codex Session Logs

Hidden Hot Tip: Accessing and Utilizing Codex Session Logs