How to get started with Codex

2026-04-23 · Source: OpenAI News · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Software Development & Engineering · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

This guide outlines the initial setup and usage of the Codex desktop application, a tool designed for collaborative task completion. Users begin by downloading the app and signing in with their ChatGPT account. The interface features a left sidebar for projects and conversation history, and a main workspace for the current "thread," which functions like a chat. Projects are linked to local computer folders, allowing Codex to interact with specified files or create new ones within that directory. The guide recommends starting with simple tasks, such as organizing notes or cleaning datasets, and using the default Codex model and permissions. A suggested first prompt involves asking Codex to inspect a folder, suggest a small, safe task, and await approval before making changes, emphasizing a gradual approach to building trust.

Key takeaway

For software engineers or data scientists looking to integrate AI assistance into their workflow, you should begin by setting up Codex with a dedicated local project folder. Start with simple, well-defined tasks and use the default model and permissions to understand its capabilities. Gradually increase task complexity as you build trust in Codex's actions, always reviewing its output before committing changes to your codebase or datasets.

Key insights

Codex facilitates task automation through a chat-like interface, linking projects to local file system folders.

Principles

• Start with default settings.
• Begin with simple, safe tasks.
• Build trust incrementally.

Method

Download Codex, create a thread within a project linked to a local folder, provide a prompt for a small task, and review Codex's actions before approving changes.

In practice

• Create a dedicated "Codex" folder.
• Drag specific files into project folders.
• Ask Codex to organize notes or clean data.

Topics

• Codex Desktop App
• ChatGPT Account
• Thread Creation
• Project Management
• Local File Access

Best for: Software Engineer, Automation Engineer, Data Scientist

Related on AIssential

• What is Codex? — Codex is an AI agent for task execution across workflows, distinct from conversational AI like ChatGPT.
• My Adventures Building an AI Money Machine — OpenAI's Codex enables non-technical users to build functional AI systems for file-based "real work" beyond chatbot capabilities.
• 5 Fun Projects Using OpenAI Codex — OpenAI Codex accelerates software development across diverse projects, acting as a versatile coding partner.
• Codex settings — Codex offers customizable settings for task management, detail level, personalization, and visual monitoring.
• OpenAI’s Codex is now in the ChatGPT mobile app — OpenAI's Codex desktop AI tool is now controllable via the ChatGPT mobile app.
• The Codex App Has Upended My Daily Workflow — The Codex app transforms coding into managing AI agents, enabling parallel work and sustained context through a desktop interface.

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by OpenAI News.