3 min read

How to Install and Use OpenAI Codex in VS Code

1. Prerequisites

• Visual Studio Code (latest version) installed.

• A valid ChatGPT subscription: Plus, Pro, Team, Edu, or Enterprise. Codex is included in these plans. Get VS Code

2. Install the Codex Extension

1. Open VS Code.

2. Go to Extensions (left sidebar).

3. Search for “Codex – OpenAI’s coding agent” published by OpenAI.

4. Click Install and trust the publisher.

Alternatively, use Quick Open:

• Press Ctrl+P, paste:

ext install openai.chatgpt

then press Enter.

3. Authenticate

1. After installing, you’ll see a Codex icon in your Activity Bar.

2. Click it and press Sign in with ChatGPT.

3. Your browser will open—log in to your OpenAI account.

4. Once authenticated, the Codex sidebar is active.

4. Understand the Interface

The Codex panel offers:

• Environment mode:

— Work locally: Codex reads and edits files on your machine.

— Run in the cloud: Codex runs tasks in the cloud. open ai developers

• Interaction Mode:

— Chat: For casual conversation and planning.

— Agent: Reads, edits, and runs local commands with your permission.

— Agent (Full Access): Same as Agent, but without asking for permission for each action—use with caution.

• Additional controls: New Chat, Task History, Settings.

5. Try Your First Prompt

1. Open a project folder via File > Open Folder.

2. In the Codex sidebar, type a clear prompt, e.g.: “Create a simple to-do app with login, password, DB, and Bootstrap UI.”

3. Hit Send.

4. Codex outlines its plan, creates files, and writes code in real-time.

6. Run the Generated App

1. Open the integrated terminal with View > Terminal.

2. Run the provided command (e.g., python3 app.py).

3. Check your browser at http://127.0.0.1:8000 (example) to interact with your new app.

7. Bonus—Cloud Tasks & Context

• You can delegate complex tasks to Codex in the cloud.

• Codex manages workflow—preview changes, apply locally later without losing context. open ai developers

You just tapped into an AI-powered pair programmer—no fluff, just action. Prompt clearly, guide smartly, and let Codex handle the grunt work.

Rock on.

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Key Words:

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