Codex Desktop: restore inline project expansion in the sidebar

Start by reviewing the existing Projects sidebar and full-page directory entry points, then read issues #23825 and #33077 plus the linked UX specification and prototype. Implement the separate disclosure, navigation, and creation behaviors with persisted expansion state, capped project shortcuts, and the specified empty, loading, error, keyboard, accessibility, and truncation behavior; done means all acceptance criteria hold without duplicating sorting logic.

Summary

Restore an optional inline project list beneath the Projects row in Codex Desktop. Keep the current full Projects directory, but add a disclosure chevron so users can switch projects without leaving the task they are viewing.

Problem

The Windows sidebar currently presents Projects as a destination row with a create button. Opening it replaces the active task with the full-page directory. That directory is useful for search and management, but it adds a detour to frequent project switching and removes at-a-glance project access from the sidebar.

Proposed UX

• Add a dedicated disclosure chevron before the Projects folder icon.
• Chevron toggles a compact inline list of pinned or recently updated projects.
• Projects label continues to open the full directory.
• Plus continues to create a project.
• Remember the expanded or collapsed state on the device.
• Cap the shortcut list and finish it with View all projects.
• Keep the three actions separate for clear pointer and keyboard behavior.

Acceptance Criteria

• Project shortcuts can be revealed without navigating away from the active task.
• Disclosure, Projects navigation, and project creation remain separate controls.
• The disclosure exposes an accurate aria-expanded state and works by keyboard.
• Expansion preference persists across app restarts on the same device.
• Long names truncate without shifting or overlapping controls.
• Empty, loading, and error states preserve access to the full Projects directory.
• Existing project sorting behavior is reused rather than duplicated.

Relationship to Existing Issues

• #23825 documents earlier project expansion behavior and a loading problem inside expanded project groups.
• #33077 covers ordering for projects already visible in the sidebar.

This request is complementary: it focuses on restoring optional inline project access alongside the newer full-page directory.

Prototype

• Interactive prototype
• One-page UX specification

Current full-page navigation:

Proposed inline expansion:

All prototype project names and task content are invented. The reporter's private project names and screenshots are not included.