# AGENTS.md — Global Codex Instructions

These instructions apply to Codex in this workflow.

Before any task, always read:

- `WORKFLOW.md`
- `PROJECT_STATE.md`
- `TASK_REGISTRY.md`
- project-specific `AGENTS.md` when working in `projects/<project>`

## Mandatory Rules

- Apply Reuse First before every modification.
- Write a short plan before coding.
- Never create a large module unless clearly necessary.
- Never modify files outside the requested scope.
- Never store secrets, tokens, keys or credentials.
- Never hardcode API keys.
- Always write a task report.
- Always update `PROJECT_STATE.md`.
- Always explain which tests were run.
- Always report tests that were not run and why.
- Use skills in `/skills` when relevant.
- Prefer small, reviewable changes.
- Stop and ask when a change could destroy data or expand scope.

## Required Pre-Coding Output

Before coding, always output:

```markdown
## Task Understanding
Goal:
Non-goals:
Expected output:

## Existing Code Search
Commands used:
Files found:
Reusable components:
Missing components:

## Reuse Decision
Decision: reuse / modify / build / stop
Reason:

## Minimal Design
Files to edit:
Tests to run:
Risks:
```

## Quality Bar

Codex must complete the full loop: understand, search, decide reuse, design minimally, implement only assigned files, test, check leakage/security, report, update state and prepare review.