OpenAI Codex CLI
OpenAI's open-source coding agent for the terminal; also runs in the cloud.
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Use cases
About OpenAI Codex CLI
OpenAI Codex CLI is listed in our coding category and is aimed at builders. OpenAI's open-source coding agent for the terminal; also runs in the cloud. Pricing, as the maker states it: Open source; uses ChatGPT plan or API. Maturity: Mature. We last checked the official link on 2026-10-17.
What is OpenAI Codex CLI?
Codex CLI is a coding agent from OpenAI that runs locally on your computer. It is open source and can be used with a ChatGPT plan or the OpenAI API.
Beyond the terminal, Codex can be installed in code editors such as VS Code, Cursor and Windsurf, has a desktop app experience (codex app), and has a cloud-based agent, Codex Web, at chatgpt.com/codex. Standalone installers are available for macOS, Linux and Windows.
Sources: the official README and our directory listing, checked 2026-10-18. Official site: learn.chatgpt.com/docs/codex/cli.
Who is OpenAI Codex CLI for?
Developers who want OpenAI's open-source coding agent in their terminal or editor, especially those who already have a ChatGPT plan.
OpenAI Codex CLI at a glance
- Open source: Yes (Apache License 2.0)
- GitHub: openai/codex · 130,254 stars (as of Oct 21, 2026)
Key features
- Local coding agent that runs on your computer
- Editor extensions for VS Code, Cursor and Windsurf
- Desktop app and a cloud agent (Codex Web)
- Installers for macOS, Linux and Windows
OpenAI Codex CLI FAQ
What is OpenAI Codex CLI?
Codex CLI is a coding agent from OpenAI that runs locally on your computer. It is open source and can be used with a ChatGPT plan or the OpenAI API.
Who is OpenAI Codex CLI for?
Developers who want OpenAI's open-source coding agent in their terminal or editor, especially those who already have a ChatGPT plan.
Is OpenAI Codex CLI free?
OpenAI Codex CLI's pricing, as the maker states it: Open source; uses ChatGPT plan or API. Open-source tools are free to use, though you may still pay for model API usage or a hosted plan. Check the official site for current plans.
Is OpenAI Codex CLI open source?
Yes. OpenAI Codex CLI is released under the Apache License 2.0, according to its GitHub repository.
What are alternatives to OpenAI Codex CLI?
Similar tools include Claude Code, Gemini CLI, opencode, Grok CLI, Open Interpreter and Kiro Crew.
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