agent_top

agent_top is a desktop Codex runner and monitor built around a shared Rust core.

It is centered on a Tauri desktop app for persistent thread-based workflows.

What It Does

agent_top wraps codex exec --json, parses the event stream, and presents it in a UI that can:

• start new Codex runs
• continue an existing thread with a new run attempt
• retry a thread by launching another run attempt
• persist thread metadata and event history in SQLite

Architecture

Shared Core

crates/agent_top_core contains the common runtime logic:

• spawning Codex processes
• parsing JSON events into normalized internal events
• tracking summaries, file touches, and command activity
• cancellation support
• resume eligibility checks

Desktop App

desktop contains the Tauri app:

• desktop/src is the TypeScript frontend
• desktop/src-tauri/src is the Rust backend
• desktop/src-tauri/src/storage.rs manages SQLite persistence

The desktop app now uses a thread/run-attempt model:

• a thread represents the long-lived conversation or workspace context
• each launch, continue, or retry creates a new run attempt inside that thread
• the UI shows threads in the left rail and resolves the selected timeline from the active or latest run attempt

Desktop Usage

Start the desktop app in development:

cd desktop
npm install
npm run tauri dev

Typical workflow:

1. Choose a workspace folder.
2. Enter a prompt.
3. Pick Codex settings such as model, sandbox, and approval mode.
4. Start a run, continue a thread, or retry a thread.
5. Inspect thread history and the latest run activity in the main pane.

Notes:

• the selected workspace is shown as the current workspace for the next run
• the thread also keeps its historical workspace so you can tell current selection from prior context
• recent threads and run history are restored from SQLite on startup

Codex Settings

The current desktop and terminal flows expose:

• model
• sandbox
• approval
• bypass behavior where supported by the desktop flow

Build And Test

Run the Rust workspace tests:

cargo test --workspace

Check the desktop Rust backend:

cd desktop
cargo check --manifest-path src-tauri\Cargo.toml

Run the desktop frontend checks:

cd desktop
npm install
npm test
npm run build

Build desktop release artifacts:

cd desktop
npm run tauri build

Current Focus

The current desktop work is aimed at:

• improving the thread-oriented UX
• making run-attempt history clearer inside each thread
• strengthening typed lifecycle/state handling across the backend and frontend
• expanding tests around thread continuation and retry flows