codex-prompting

Compose structured XML-tagged prompts for Codex GPT-5.6 delegation tasks.

Updated Jul 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/em411/supercodex --skill codex-prompting-em411
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: codex-prompting
Source: https://github.com/em411/supercodex/tree/main/skills/codex-prompting
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/em411/supercodex --skill codex-prompting-em411

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? Writing effective prompts for Codex GPT-5.6 delegation is error-prone: vague tasks, missing output contracts, and absent verification rules lead to incomplete fixes, unsupported claims, and stalled runs. This Skill provides a disciplined, block-based prompting method so every delegated implementation, debugging, or fix-cycle task produces usable results. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Reusable XML prompt blocks: Standardized tags like <task>, <structured_output_contract>, <verification_loop>, and <grounding_rules> give prompts stable internal structure. - Ready-made recipes: End-to-end templates for diagnosis, narrow fixes, root-cause review, research, and prompt-patching tasks. - Anti-pattern guidance: Concrete before/after examples showing how to fix vague framing, missing output contracts, and unsupported certainty. - Use Case: When the supercodex orchestrator delegates a bug fix to Codex, it assembles a prompt with <task>, <completeness_contract>, <verification_loop>, and <action_safety> so Codex applies a scoped, verified fix without stopping early or refactoring unrelated code. ## Quick Start Ask the orchestrator to compose a Codex GPT-5.6 prompt for a debugging task using the diagnosis recipe with verification and grounding blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions about codex-prompting

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I write effective prompts for Codex GPT-5.6?

Structure prompts with XML tags: a `<task>` block defining the job, an output contract specifying the response shape, a follow-through policy, and verification or grounding blocks where correctness matters. Keep one clear task per run and state what done looks like.

What prompt blocks should I use for Codex debugging tasks?

For debugging, combine `<task>` with `<completeness_contract>`, `<verification_loop>`, and `<missing_context_gating>`. These blocks stop Codex from halting at the first plausible answer and prevent it from guessing missing repository facts.

When should I use task --resume-last with Codex?

Use `task --resume-last` for follow-up instructions on the same Codex thread. Send only the delta instruction rather than restating the whole prompt, unless the direction changed materially.

Why does Codex stop before finishing a fix?

Codex stops early when the prompt lacks a completeness contract or follow-through policy. Add `<completeness_contract>` requiring full resolution and `<default_follow_through_policy>` telling it to proceed with the most reasonable low-risk interpretation.

Should I raise reasoning effort when Codex output quality is poor?

No. Tighten the prompt contract first: sharpen the output schema, add verification loops, and ground claims in evidence. Raising reasoning or adding long explanations is a last resort after the prompt structure is fixed.