How to run a local coding agent in your terminal
You can naturally continue the process of modifying code and executing commands within a terminal window. Codex CLI, created by OpenAI, is a coding agent that runs locally on your computer. It creates a workflow for exploring codebases and applying changes without complex editor configurations.
A coding agent inside the terminal
Codex CLI is a coding agent that runs locally on the user's computer. You can start it immediately by entering the codex command in the terminal, and you can use it by logging in with a ChatGPT account or setting up an API key. This tool bundles the process of reading code, modifying it, and executing necessary commands into a single flow. Developers can handle code as if conversing with an AI within the terminal, away from the editor.
Installation and execution
On Mac and Linux, you can install it by running an installation script via the curl command. On Windows, you run the installation script using PowerShell. It can also be installed through package managers like npm or Homebrew. After installation, it runs when you enter the codex command. Account integration is recommended for subscribers to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, Edu, and Enterprise plans. Additional configuration is required if using an API key.
Selecting platform-specific binaries
GitHub releases include executables for multiple platforms. macOS Apple Silicon users select codex-aarch64-apple-darwin.tar.gz, while older Mac x86_64 users select codex-x86_64-apple-darwin.tar.gz. In Linux x86_64 environments, use codex-x86_64-unknown-linux-musl.tar.gz, and in arm64 environments, use codex-aarch64-unknown-linux-musl.tar.gz. Extracting the archive yields a single file containing the platform name, so it is recommended to rename it to codex.
Pre-use considerations
This tool is released under the Apache-2.0 license, allowing free use. ChatGPT plan subscribers are recommended to use the service through account integration, while API key usage requires a separate configuration process. Since it runs in a local environment, the user experience may vary depending on network connection status and account authentication methods. It is suitable for developers familiar with terminal-based work, while users who prefer GUI-centric editors may need an adaptation period.