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Codex CLI
Use the preinstalled OpenAI Codex CLI in your helper's workspace for AI-assisted coding with OpenAI models.
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What It Is
Every BrainRoad helper workspace includes the OpenAI Codex CLI preinstalled. It is available from the Console whenever your helper is running.
Codex is OpenAI’s command-line coding agent. It can read files, write code, run commands, and work through multi-step development tasks using OpenAI models.
Requirements
Codex needs your own OpenAI API key. Set it in the Console session:
export OPENAI_API_KEY="sk-your-key-here"
Usage on your key is billed by OpenAI, separately from your BrainRoad subscription.
Quick Start
codex "list all files and explain the project structure"
For interactive mode:
codex
When to Use Codex vs Claude Code
Both are preinstalled and both handle coding tasks. The difference is which AI provider they use:
| Tool | Provider | API Key Needed |
|---|---|---|
claude | Anthropic (Claude) | ANTHROPIC_API_KEY |
codex | OpenAI | OPENAI_API_KEY |
Use whichever matches the API key you have, or try both and compare results on a given task.
Related Docs
- Claude Code CLI — Anthropic’s coding CLI, also preinstalled
- Console Overview — how to open the terminal