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codex/sdk/python/docs/faq.md
Shaqayeq 35d03a0508 2026-03-07 Stabilize experimental python SDK foundation
Description:
- pin datamodel-code-generator to an exact version and invoke it through the active interpreter
- make generate_types own the maintained generated surfaces and regenerate committed artifacts
- make sdk/python tests hermetic and regeneration checks idempotent
2026-03-08 00:47:14 -08:00

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# FAQ
## Thread vs turn
- A `Thread` is conversation state.
- A `Turn` is one model execution inside that thread.
- Multi-turn chat means multiple turns on the same `Thread`.
## `run()` vs `stream()`
- `Turn.run()` is the easiest path. It consumes events until completion and returns `TurnResult`.
- `Turn.stream()` yields raw notifications (`Notification`) so you can react event-by-event.
Choose `run()` for most apps. Choose `stream()` for progress UIs, custom timeout logic, or custom parsing.
## Sync vs async clients
- `Codex` is the minimal sync SDK and best default.
- `AsyncAppServerClient` wraps the sync transport with `asyncio.to_thread(...)` for async-friendly call sites.
If your app is not already async, stay with `Codex`.
## `thread(...)` vs `thread_resume(...)`
- `codex.thread(thread_id)` only binds a local helper to an existing thread ID.
- `codex.thread_resume(thread_id, ...)` performs a `thread/resume` RPC and can apply overrides (model, instructions, sandbox, etc.).
Use `thread(...)` for simple continuation. Use `thread_resume(...)` when you need explicit resume semantics or override fields.
## Why does constructor fail?
`Codex()` is eager: it starts transport and calls `initialize` in `__init__`.
Common causes:
- bundled runtime binary missing for your OS/arch under `src/codex_app_server/bin/*`
- local auth/session is missing
- incompatible/old app-server
Maintainers can refresh bundled binaries with:
```bash
cd sdk/python
python scripts/update_sdk_artifacts.py --channel stable --bundle-all-platforms
```
## Why does a turn "hang"?
A turn is complete only when `turn/completed` arrives for that turn ID.
- `run()` waits for this automatically.
- With `stream()`, make sure you keep consuming notifications until completion.
## How do I retry safely?
Use `retry_on_overload(...)` for transient overload failures (`ServerBusyError`).
Do not blindly retry all errors. For `InvalidParamsError` or `MethodNotFoundError`, fix inputs/version compatibility instead.
## Common pitfalls
- Starting a new thread for every prompt when you wanted continuity.
- Forgetting to `close()` (or not using `with Codex() as codex:`).
- Ignoring `TurnResult.status` and `TurnResult.error`.
- Mixing SDK input classes with raw dicts incorrectly in minimal API paths.