| name | pal |
| description | Use PAL MCP to invoke external CLI models (Codex, Claude) for cross-model code review, artifact review, consensus, and deep analysis. Triggers when you need an independent model's perspective — code reviews, spec reviews, architectural debates, or second opinions. Also use when the user says "ask codex", "cross-model review", "get a second opinion", or "use PAL". |
PAL — Provider Abstraction Layer
Invoke external AI CLIs (Codex, Claude) via PAL MCP's clink tool for cross-model collaboration. No API keys needed — delegates to locally installed CLIs.
Available CLIs
| CLI | Model | Best For |
|---|
codex | OpenAI o3 | Logical reasoning, subtle bugs, code review |
claude | Claude | Fresh perspective, parallel analysis |
When to Use
- Code review: Get Codex's o3 to review diffs for bugs and logic errors
- Artifact review: Have Codex review specs/designs for gaps and feasibility
- Second opinion: When unsure about an approach, get cross-model validation
- Debugging: Use o3's reasoning for hard-to-find bugs
Usage Patterns
Code Review (diff-based)
Use the PAL MCP clink tool:
clink with codex codereviewer to review the changes in this diff (git diff <base>...<head>). Focus on:
1. Bugs, logic errors, and security vulnerabilities
2. Missing error handling or edge cases
3. Code quality and consistency
Report findings with file paths, line numbers. Categorize as: critical, important, or advisory.
Artifact Review (design.md)
Use the PAL MCP clink tool:
clink with codex codereviewer to review the feature specification artifacts at <path>. Evaluate for:
1. Logical gaps or contradictions between artifacts
2. Missing edge cases or error scenarios
3. Feasibility concerns with the proposed architecture
4. Task completeness — do tasks cover all spec requirements?
5. Unclear or ambiguous requirements
Report findings as: critical, suggestion, or nitpick.
Uncommitted Changes Review
Use the PAL MCP clink tool:
clink with codex codereviewer to review uncommitted changes in this repository. Focus on high-confidence issues only — bugs, security, logic errors. Report file paths and line numbers.
Output Format
When presenting PAL/clink results alongside Claude's own review, use attribution tags:
| Tag | Meaning |
|---|
[codex] | Found by Codex CLI (o3) |
[claude] | Found by Claude's own review |
[both] | Same issue caught by both models (high-signal) |
Integration Points
This skill is composed by other workflows:
| Workflow | Use | Blocking? |
|---|
/specify (step 8) | Artifact review in parallel with Claude agents | Yes (critical findings block) |
phase-review (step 2) | Code review in parallel with feature-dev:code-reviewer | Yes (critical findings block) |
/complete-feature (step 2) | Final full-diff review | Advisory only |
Prerequisites
- PAL MCP server configured in
~/.claude/.mcp.json
codex CLI installed and authenticated (codex --version)claude CLI installed (claude --version)
