Module 0 of 14
How to Ask Codex Good Questions
What you'll learn
- How to explain an app idea in plain English.
- How to ask for one small change at a time.
- How to check and report a result.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the ChatGPT desktop app.
- Switch to Codex, then click New task, or the plus (
+) button. - Click inside the large message box at the bottom of the window.
How to check it worked: You see a blinking cursor in the message box.
- Type this message, then press Return:
I am completely new to building software. I want to make a simple personal task-list website. Please explain each step in plain English, make only one small change at a time, and tell me how to check that it worked.
How to check it worked: After you press Return, Codex replies with questions or a suggested plan.
- Type this follow-up message:
This task list is for me to use every day. I want to add tasks, tick them off when finished, and remove tasks I no longer need. Keep the page calm and simple. First, show me a short plan and wait for my approval before creating anything.
If something doesn't work
Never ask Codex to change lots of things at once. Small steps are easier to understand, check, and fix. If something looks odd, describe what you see, what you expected, and ask Codex to fix just that one problem:
I expected to see [what you expected], but I can see [what you see]. Please fix just that one problem.
What just happened?
You gave Codex a clear goal, the limits of the first task, and a way to communicate with you. Codex turns your plain-English request into a plan for creating files and changing them. You do not need to touch those files yourself.
The important part is your control over the pace. By asking for one change and checking it before the next one, you make mistakes smaller and easier to fix.
Module checklist
- You can describe the app in plain English.
- You can ask Codex for one small change.
- You know to wait until the current step works before continuing.
Next module: You will choose a safe place for your app work.