Codex CLI lets you inspect, edit, and run code from a terminal. Install it for your operating system, open a repository and start an interactive session with codex; for scripts and CI, use codex exec with deliberate output and sandbox settings.
What Codex CLI does
Codex CLI is a terminal workflow for working with code in a local repository. OpenAI describes it as a way to inspect code, make changes, run commands, and automate repeatable work without leaving the terminal. The official Codex CLI guide links to installation, command reference, configuration, and automation guidance.
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There are two main ways to use it: run codex for an interactive, project-based session, or use codex exec for a non-interactive task in a shell or pipeline.
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How to install Codex CLI
Installation depends on the operating system and package manager. The official quickstart presents separate paths for macOS and Linux, Windows, npm, and Homebrew. Choose the tab for the environment you will use and follow its current instructions; do not assume one installation command applies to every platform.
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For the macOS/Linux standalone path shown in the guide, the command is:
curl -fsSL https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.sh | shInstallation instructions can change. Check the official quickstart for the current command and prerequisites for your platform before running it.
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Start an interactive session in a repository
- Open a terminal and change to the project directory you want Codex to work in.
- Run
codex. - On first run, sign in using ChatGPT or another authentication method offered in the CLI.
- Describe a bounded task, such as explaining the project, debugging a specific issue, or making a focused change.
Before a task that may change files, create a Git checkpoint; review the changes afterward and commit or revert them as appropriate. This gives you a clear recovery point if the result is not what you intended.
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| Command or option | When to use it |
|---|---|
codex |
Start an interactive session in the current project directory. |
codex exec "task prompt" |
Run a non-interactive task in a shell, scheduled job, or CI pipeline. |
codex exec --json |
Emit a JSON Lines stream of events for automation that needs machine-readable progress and results. |
--output-schema |
Ask for a final response conforming to a supplied schema. |
-o or --output-last-message |
Write the final response to a file. |
--ephemeral |
Avoid persisting session rollout files for a run that should not keep session state. |
codex exec resume --last or codex exec resume <session-id> |
Continue a prior non-interactive session, using the latest session or a specific session ID. |
codex resume |
Return to an interactive session. |
codex doctor |
Diagnose installation, configuration, authentication, runtime, Git, terminal, and related problems. |
Consult the Codex CLI command reference for current syntax and options. In non-interactive mode, progress is written to stderr and the final response to stdout. That distinction lets a script capture the answer without mixing it with progress messages.
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- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Choose a sandbox for the task
codex exec uses a read-only sandbox by default. If a task must edit files in the workspace, explicitly select --sandbox workspace-write. The broader danger-full-access mode should be reserved for controlled environments, such as an isolated runner or container, rather than granted by default.
Give a run only the permissions its task needs. A code review or explanation can usually remain read-only; a patch-generation task needs workspace write access. Avoid exposing credentials to prompts, source files, or logs.
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- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with USB A and USB C devices, ensuring reliable file transfers across smartphones, computers, and more
- Ample Storage Options: Available in 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB providing plenty of space for photos, videos, music, and documents
- Portable & Lightweight: Compact and durable design for travel, school, or daily use-take your files anywhere
- Plug-and-Play Convenience: No software or drivers required; simply insert into USB-C or USB-A ports and start transferring files instantly
Run Codex CLI in CI
For repeatable pipeline work, pre-merge checks, scheduled jobs, or shell workflows that pass results to other tools, the documented entry point is codex exec. A minimal invocation is:
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codex exec "Review the changes in this repository and report actionable issues"For a workflow that needs to modify the checked-out workspace, opt into write access explicitly:
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codex exec --sandbox workspace-write "Apply the requested focused change and report the files modified"The exact prompt and sandbox should reflect the job: review-only tasks should not be given write permission, while change-making tasks should be narrowly scoped. Use --ephemeral if the job should not persist session rollout files.
Choose an output format
- Plain final response: Capture stdout when a later shell step needs the final text. Progress messages are sent to stderr.
- JSONL events: Add
--jsonwhen a downstream consumer needs event data. The stream includes event types such as thread and turn starts or completions, items, and errors. - File output: Use
-oor--output-last-messageto write the final response to a file. - Schema-constrained response: Use
--output-schemawhen the final response must follow a schema. Scripts should still check the command’s exit status and validate output before acting on it.
Handle credentials safely
Set up authentication using the current Codex CLI guidance and your CI provider’s secret-management mechanism. Do not put API keys in source code, command prompts, or logs. Authentication options and CI-specific credential instructions may change, so follow the official instructions for the method and environment you use.
Choose an integration style
On October 6, 2025, OpenAI announced a GitHub Action for integrating Codex into CI/CD pipelines. The same announcement described installing and running the CLI with codex exec in shell-based workflows. These are integration options, not a requirement to use the action: choose the approach that fits your pipeline and verify the current setup details in the announcement and linked documentation.
Quick Recap
Troubleshoot a failed setup or run
- Installation or configuration issue: Check the platform-specific quickstart, then run
codex doctorto diagnose common environment and authentication problems. - Interactive sign-in issue: Confirm that the authentication method you intend to use is available and configured for the environment.
- Unexpected file behavior in CI: Check the selected sandbox. The default for
codex execis read-only; workspace changes require--sandbox workspace-write. - Script cannot parse the result: Decide whether it needs stdout text, JSONL events, a file, or schema-constrained output, and validate the result before a later step consumes it.
- Need to continue a previous run: Use
codex exec resume --lastor supply a session ID; usecodex resumefor an interactive session.
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