The Codex CLI is OpenAI's command-line coding agent. Instead of chatting in a browser, you drive it from your terminal: it reads your project, plans a change, edits files, and can run commands, then iterates. It's part of the same wave as Claude Code: agentic coding that lives in the shell rather than the editor.
What the Codex CLI does
Core capabilities
| Capability | What it means |
|---|---|
| Reads your codebase | Understands project context before making changes. |
| Edits files | Applies multi-file changes directly from the terminal. |
| Runs commands | Can execute build/test commands and react to the output. |
| Iterates | Loops on a task until it's done, agent-style. |
How to install the Codex CLI
Getting started
- Install the CLIInstall via the package manager OpenAI documents (check the official Codex CLI docs for the current command).
- AuthenticateSign in with your OpenAI account or provide an API key as the docs describe.
- Run it in your projectOpen your repo in the terminal and start the Codex CLI to give it a task.
- Give it a taskDescribe what you want in plain language; it plans, edits, and runs from there.
Running Codex CLI against other models
By default the Codex CLI runs OpenAI models. But the terminal-agent pattern isn't locked to one provider. With a router in front, you can point Codex-style workflows at other models and pay less for routine work. That's useful when you want the agentic flow but not the single-provider bill.
What that looks like with Wuwei
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| One endpoint, many models | Run agentic coding against Claude, GPT, Grok, Gemini, Kimi, DeepSeek and more. |
| Cheaper routine work | Route boilerplate and refactors to low-cost models to cut spend. |
| Pay-as-you-go | No fixed subscription, billed for what you actually run. |
| No proxy to build | Natively supports OpenAI-compatible endpoints, so there's nothing to self-host. |
FAQ
What is the Codex CLI?
It's OpenAI's terminal-based coding agent. It reads your codebase, edits files, and runs commands from the shell, iterating on a task the way an agent does.
How do I install the Codex CLI?
Install it via the package manager OpenAI documents, then authenticate with your OpenAI account or API key. Check the official Codex CLI docs for the exact current command.
Where are the Codex CLI docs?
OpenAI publishes official Codex CLI documentation covering install, auth, and usage. That's the authoritative source for commands and options.
Can I use the Codex CLI with other models?
The agentic terminal workflow isn't limited to one provider. With a router like Wuwei you can point Codex-style coding at other, cheaper models.