OpenAI Codex GPT-5.6: Context Reduction Sparks Dev Outcry

OpenAI's recent update to its Codex coding agent is causing concern among developers. The default input context window for GPT-5.6 has been reduced from 372,000 tokens to 272,000 tokens. This means the coding agent will retain less code and conversation history before compacting older information. Developers on social media platforms like Reddit and X are criticizing this change. They worry it could make Codex less effective for long coding sessions and large code repositories. Analysts say this reduction could impact developer productivity and slow the adoption of AI in enterprise workflows. It may require more frequent context management and session resets. One analyst notes that the AI agent will "forget" earlier parts of a long session sooner, potentially increasing repeated searches and the need for developers to re-establish context. This change could mean engineers spend more time managing the AI rather than on productive work.