u/Hackerhaibhaihacker0

Hi everyone,

I have already built a fairly large app, but it is only in a local folder right now, not on GitHub. Previously I was using Claude Pro to help with development, but it often burned a lot of credits/tokens because of long explanations, hallucinated fixes, poor-quality code changes, or changes that created new bugs.

I recently bought a Codex Plus plan, and I want to use it properly for debugging and improving my app.

My main goals are:

1. Debug existing errors without wasting too many credits.
2. Make Codex write precise code changes only where needed.
3. Avoid hallucinated files, functions, or architecture assumptions.
4. Prevent Codex from rewriting unrelated parts of the app.
5. Improve code quality without breaking existing working features.
6. Add better error handling, logging, and debugging structure.
7. Create useful .md instruction files or “skills” so Codex understands the project better.
8. Work safely even though the project is local and not currently in Git.

I would like advice on the best workflow for using Codex with a local project.

For example:

• What files should I add, such as AGENTS.md, README.md, DEBUGGING.md, ARCHITECTURE.md, or CONTRIBUTING.md?
• What should those files contain so Codex gives better, more accurate answers?
• How should I structure prompts when asking Codex to fix bugs?
• How can I force Codex to inspect the actual code before changing anything?
• How do I stop it from making large unnecessary rewrites?
• What is the best way to ask for minimal diffs, safe patches, and regression checks?
• How should I handle logs, stack traces, screenshots, and reproduction steps?
• What workflow do experienced Codex users follow for large local apps?

I am mainly looking for a practical setup that helps Codex act like a careful senior developer: read the code first, understand the bug, make the smallest correct fix, explain what changed, and avoid breaking other features.

Any example .md files, prompt templates, debugging workflows, or best practices would be very helpful.

Thank you.

Btech in AI&DS.
My main priority is placement. After Index 40 I randomly assigned Sequence Of Colleges guide me to set this in proper order.
Thank You