Feature Request: Add "/whisper" mode for lightweight, non-disruptive suggestions
What variant of Codex are you using?
Desktop App
What feature would you like to see?
Problem
When using Codex, there are situations where it starts going down a suboptimal path. Currently, the only way to correct it is to interrupt the flow entirely by steering the conversation, which stops progress and forces a full context reset. This feels heavy-handed for minor course corrections.
Proposed Solution
Introduce a new /whisper command (or similar lightweight mechanism) that allows users to give gentle suggestions without interrupting Codex's current progress.
Example usage:
/whisper: Consider using a more efficient algorithm here
/whisper: Maybe add error handling for this edge case
Codex can then decide whether to incorporate the suggestion or continue with its current approach — similar to casually advising a fellow programmer.
Benefits
- Enables subtle influence rather than full redirection
- Reduces unnecessary conversation resets
- Creates a more natural, collaborative feel (human-AI pair programming)
- Keeps momentum while still guiding the model
Use Cases
- Suggesting better variable names or structure mid-generation
- Hinting at edge cases without breaking flow
- Suggesting performance improvements while Codex is writing code
- Guiding style or architecture preferences gently
This would make the interaction with Codex feel significantly more fluid and human-like.
Additional information
_No response_
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