Codex CLI is an open-source command-line tool developed by OpenAI that integrates AI capabilities directly into your terminal. It allows you to perform coding tasks like reading, modifying, and executing code locally, all while maintaining data security. However, its most impressive feature is the ability to generate code for you. In this post, we are going to use Codex CLI to turn your text into code.
Turn your Text into Code using Codex CLI
OpenAI Codex uses AI to help you understand and write code better. You can set up Codex Command-Line (CLI) to make the coding process a lot simpler and efficient. To install and use Codex CLI, you need to follow the steps mentioned below.
- Download and install Node.JS
- Install OpenAI Codex Command Line Interface
- Use OpenAI Codex CLI
Let us talk about them in detail.
1] Download and install Node.JS
First of all, we need to install the latest version of Node.js as Codex CLI is available as an npm (Node Package Manager) package. To install Node.js, open your browser and go to nodejs.org, and locate the correct binary, LTS is recommended for most developers. After configuring, click on Windows Installer (.msi). Open the File Explorer, look for the downloaded installation media, and run it. Finally, install Node.js on your computer.
2] Install OpenAI Codex Command Line Interface
Now that we have installed Node.js on our computer, let us go ahead and set up OpenAI Codex CLI. To do so, you need to search and open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Then, execute the following command.
npm install -g @openai/codex
Wait for a few minutes as it will take some time to install Codex.
Now, we need to feed our OpenAI API key. If you don’t have one, you can create it using the steps mentioned below.
- Navigate to platform.openai.com and sign up or log in.
- Click on Search, type “API Key”, and click on the pop-up.
- Now, click on Create a new secret key.
- You need to enter a name and select a Project. Then, click on Create secret key.
- Once the key is generated, copy and place it somewhere.
After fetching the API key, run the following command to set it in your Command Prompt.
set OPENAI_API_KEY=<Copied-OpenAI-key>
Make sure to replace the <Copied-OpenAI-key> placeholder with the actual key that you have copied earlier.
Now, run Codex to start the interactive session. You will get a prompt asking you to confirm your action also stating a warning, we recommend you hit y to continue.
That’s how you can install Codex on your computer.
Read: Best AI tools for Developers
3] Use OpenAI Codex CLI
Now that we have installed Codex CLI, let us go ahead and learn how to use it. We recommend you run /help command to view the list of all the basic commands at your disposal.
Let us first go through the available models. You can go back by using the Esc button and then run /model. Now use the arrow key to navigate through the list of models; you will see all the models provided by OpenAI. Once you stumble upon the model of your choice, hit Enter.
After selecting the model of your choice, go ahead and ask your question. Like, for example, Create an HTML based application to remove the background from an image. It will take some time to process the information that you have given and write code for you. You will then get the prompt to confirm the command to run, which means allowing it to create the HTML file. Hit Y to confirm.
We recommend you open the Terminal inside a folder to locate the file that Codex creates. You can open the Index.html file and run it. It will open in your browser and do what you have instructed.
Do keep in mind that you need a paid subscription to use the OpenAI API to generate code.
Hopefully, with the help of this guide, you will be able to use OpenAI Codex CLI to generate and understand code.
Read: How to use Copilot to generate code
Is Codex CLI suitable for beginners in coding?
Yes, Codex CLI is an excellent choice for beginners. Its AI-powered suggestions simplify complex tasks and help users understand unfamiliar code. Not just that, it offers guided modes like “Suggest,” which provide clarity and ensure control over the coding process. This makes it easier for beginners to experiment, learn, and turn text prompts into executable code with minimal errors.
Read: How to build AI Software Tools on Windows computer
How can I install CodexCLI on my computer?
Installing CodexCLI is pretty simple; however, before you go ahead and install it. You need to make sure that Node.js is installed on your computer. Once you have that installed, open the Command Prompt and run the command – npm install -g @openai/codex. To know how to setup CodexCLI more, you can check out the guide mentioned earlier.
Also Read: Best AI Code Generator Assistants for VS Code.
Leave a Reply