A Sharp OpenClaw ACP Setup for Codex, Claude Code, and Gemini CLI

OpenClaw ACP is useful when coding agents need persistent context, clearer handoffs, and controlled access across sessions.

The short answer

• Use ACP for long-running coding work that benefits from continuity.
• Keep workspace rules in files, not repeated prompts.
• Give each coding agent a clear role.
• Require approval for risky commands and production changes.
• Reset context when the session drifts.

When ACP helps

ACP helps when the same project needs repeated work from CLI coding agents. It keeps the session anchored to workspace rules and makes handoffs easier to inspect.

Good fit:

• multi-step refactors;
• test-and-fix loops;
• issue triage;
• documentation updates;
• comparing outputs from Codex, Claude Code, and Gemini CLI.

Poor fit: a single quick command with no need for memory or handoff.

Define roles

Do not let every agent do everything. Assign work by strength and risk.

Example:

• Codex handles implementation and test loops.
• Claude Code reviews architecture and edge cases.
• Gemini CLI checks broad context or alternate approaches.

The exact split matters less than making the split explicit.

Keep rules close to the repo

Workspace rules should cover build commands, test commands, formatting, protected files, and approval requirements. Put durable rules where the agents can reread them.

Avoid relying on a long startup prompt that nobody maintains.

Control risky actions

Require approval before commands that delete data, rewrite history, change production, expose secrets, or affect billing. Coding agents should be fast, not unsupervised owners of the system.

Review and reset

Persistent sessions can accumulate stale assumptions. Reset when the task changes, tests contradict the plan, or the agent starts explaining instead of verifying.

Recap

ACP is for continuity with control. Use it when coding work spans sessions, keep roles explicit, and make risky actions stop at a human approval point.