Background Execution & Parallel Instances

[jaccrocker]

It would be highly valuable to extend functionality in two ways:
1. Background Execution
Allow Codex CLI to continue working in the background while users send other prompts, maintaining context across messages.
2. Parallel Instances
Support running multiple Codex processes in parallel on the same codebase, with each instance focused on separate tasks (e.g., different PRD sections or PRP task lists). Ideally, these instances could coordinate changes to avoid conflicts, similar to branch/merge workflows.

Impact:
These capabilities would enable more efficient workflows, particularly when working on large documents or complex multi-task projects. They would reduce the need for external orchestration tools and improve developer productivity by allowing concurrent task execution within the same project context.

[guywilsonjr]

How would this work? How would someone use this? What are the implications?

I totally agree that I want those things. I just don't know what the best user experience is for it

[asafyish]

1. It's possible to queue message, it's not working perfectly since it does stop and asks you for confirmation from time to time (because of sandbox).
2. maybe git-tree ?

[shanelindsay]

There is an open PR from the openai team for worktree

#3768

Codex can work in the background with the codex proto interface