Codex CLIcontext-managementbuilt-in
/side
Start an ephemeral side conversation for a focused detour — the parent thread keeps running and its status stays visible.
Syntax
/side [prompt]Example
/side check whether this plan has an obvious security riskWhen to use
- ▸Quick sanity checks without polluting the main thread
- ▸Getting a focused second opinion on a design decision
- ▸Asking a side question while the main task is in progress
More Codex CLI commands
configuration
/approve
Approve one retry of a recent auto review denial — lets Codex attempt a blocked action once under current policy.
session-management
/archive
Archive the current session and exit. Removes it from active session lists; transcript kept locally. Restore with 'codex unarchive <SESSION>'.
context-management
/compact
Summarize the visible conversation to free tokens. Use after long runs so Codex retains key points without blowing the context window.
code-review
/diff
Show the Git diff including files Git isn't tracking yet. Review Codex's edits before committing or running tests.