Ask for failure modes and a verification plan before asking for a broad change.
The decision behind the technique
A short pre-implementation review catches wrong assumptions while they are cheap. It also gives the final reviewer a concrete set of claims to check.
Ask for failure modes and a verification plan before asking for a broad change.
A practical step-by-step workflow
Use this sequence as a default, then tighten or expand it only when the evidence changes.
- Describe the outcome and constraints
- Ask Codex to identify touched systems and likely regressions
- Agree on verification evidence
- Implement, then use an independent diff review
Failure boundary and finish line
Do not let planning become an excuse to avoid testing the real system.
Finish when another person can reproduce the check against the exact final state.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?+
Describe the outcome and constraints
What is the main failure mode?+
Do not let planning become an excuse to avoid testing the real system.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Verify against the source
OpenAI code review guidanceOpenAI Codex best practicesThis guide provides general information, not an OpenAI allowance promise or support decision. Your account and official pages govern actual usage, benefits and recovery times.