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Recommend a Codex model and effort

codex_recommend
Read-only

Recommends the right Codex model and reasoning effort for a delegated coding task by matching the task description against a documented matrix and installed catalog, with no model call.

Instructions

Given a task description, recommend which Codex model and reasoning effort to delegate it with. Runs no model call; applies a documented matrix reconciled against the installed catalog.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
priorityNoBias the reasoning effort: quality raises it, latency and cost lower it. Default balanced.
working_dirNoAbsolute directory whose Codex configuration and model catalog should be used. Defaults to this server's own.
task_descriptionYesWhat the delegated task involves, in one or two sentences.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv0.3.0
    • addedInput schema / properties / working_dir
      Added value: +{
      +  "description": "Absolute directory whose Codex configuration and model catalog should be used. Defaults to this server's own.",
      +  "type": "string"
      +}
  2. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Beyond the readOnlyHint and openWorldHint annotations, the description discloses that the tool executes no model call and applies a documented matrix reconciled against the installed catalog. This adds meaningful context about how the recommendation is derived (deterministically, not by running a model) without conflicting with the annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The two-sentence description is compact and front-loaded: it immediately states the input ('Given a task description') and the output ('recommend which Codex model and reasoning effort'). The second sentence clarifies a key behavioral trait without waste. Every sentence earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple tool with 3 parameters (1 required) and no output schema, the description is adequately complete. It specifies the recommendation output (model and effort) but does not detail the exact return structure (e.g., object or string). Given the low complexity and clear sibling context (codex_delegate, list_codex_models), this is sufficient.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

All three parameters are fully described in the input schema (100% coverage), so the description adds no parameter-specific detail beyond the schema. With full schema coverage, the baseline of 3 is appropriate; the description does not compensate with extra parameter guidance.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb and resource: 'recommend which Codex model and reasoning effort to delegate it with.' It also notes 'Runs no model call,' which clearly differentiates this advisory tool from execution tools like codex_delegate. The purpose is unambiguous and distinct from siblings.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage ('Given a task description... recommend') but does not explicitly say when to use this tool versus alternatives like codex_delegate or list_codex_models. The phrase 'Runs no model call' hints it is not for execution, but there is no explicit 'Use this before delegating' or 'For execution, use codex_delegate.' Guidance is implied, not stated.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.