Codex CLI Quick Start Guide + 3 Pro Tips

Description

⚡ Get started with OpenAI's Codex CLI in Episode 1 of the Codex CLI Mastery series! This complete setup guide takes you from installation to your first successful session, plus 3 essential productivity tips that every Codex user needs to know. Whether you're new to AI coding tools or switching from alternatives, this tutorial covers the foundation: Node.js setup, Codex installation, session management, and core techniques that will set you up for success. ⏰ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Codex CLI Mastery Series 00:37 How to install Codex CLI 02:20 How to launch a new Codex CLI session 03:48 How to change gpt-5-codex model settings 04:38 Setting up our project directory within Codex 06:54 Tip #1: Create an AGENTS.md file 10:41 Tip #2: Use the Approvals command to change agent settings 12:36 Testing Codex with a simple task 13:45 Checking out the page Codex built 14:02 Tip #3: Use the Status command to monitor token usage and limits 15:13 What's next in the Codex CLI Mastery Series 🚀 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ Complete Codex CLI installation process (Node.js + npm setup) ✅ How to initiate and manage Codex sessions effectively ✅ Creating AGENTS.md files for permanent project memory ✅ Understanding approval modes (Auto vs Manual) and when to use each ✅ Monitoring token usage and context limits ✅ Best practices for directory management and project organization ✅ How to work with gpt-5-codex reasoning models (Low/Medium/High) 🔥 THE 3 ESSENTIAL TIPS: 1. **AGENTS.md File** - Permanent project memory that saves hours of repetitive context-setting. Write your conventions once, Codex remembers forever. 2. **Approval Modes** - Start with manual approval for safety, switch to auto mode for autonomous building. Learn when to use each mode. 3. **Status Command** - Monitor your token usage (5-hour and weekly limits), context window, and session configuration at any time. 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS: - **AGENTS.md = Game Changer**: One-time project setup that Codex remembers forever - **Approval Modes Matter**: Start with manual approval for safety, switch to auto for speed but be aware of the risks - **Token Awareness**: Use /status command to track usage limits and avoid hitting caps during critical work - **Directory First**: Always navigate to your project folder before starting Codex - **Model Selection**: High reasoning for complex tasks, lower for speed on simple jobs 🛠️ TOOLS & REQUIREMENTS: - Node.js 18+ (installation command provided) - npm (comes with Node.js) - OpenAI API access with Codex enabled - Basic terminal/command line knowledge 📚 CODEX CLI MASTERY SERIES: This video is part of the Codex CLI Mastery series. Each video covers a specific topic and can be watched independently: ✅ **Setup Guide + 3 Pro Tips** (This Video) 🔜 **Advanced AGENTS.md Patterns** (Coming Next) 🔜 **Custom Slash Commands & Automation** 🔜 **MCP Integration Deep Dive** 🔔 Subscribe and turn notifications on so you don't miss any of the videos from the Codex CLI Mastery Series 💻 INSTALLATION COMMANDS: ```bash # Install Node.js (Ubuntu/Debian) sudo apt install nodejs npm # Verify installation node --version npm --version # Install Codex CLI globally npm install -g @openai/codex # Verify Codex installation codex --version # Start new session codex ``` 🎯 WHO THIS IS FOR: - Developers new to AI coding assistants - Teams adopting Codex for development workflows - Anyone switching from Cursor, Windsurf, or other AI IDEs - Productivity-focused devs and vibe coders wanting to maximize Codex efficiency ⚠️ SAFETY REMINDERS: - Always use version control (Git) for important projects - Start with manual approval mode when learning - Review Codex changes before committing to production - Monitor token usage to avoid hitting limits during critical work - Consider the risks before using auto mode or full access mode 🔗 RESOURCES: - OpenAI Codex Documentation: https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/codex - SnapperAI Website: https://www.snapperai.io/ 🎁 FREE RESOURCES & TEMPLATES: Get exclusive AI development templates and guides at https://www.snapperai.io/ 🎯 STAY CONNECTED: 👉 🔔 Subscribe for the complete Codex CLI Mastery series! 👉 🎬 Next Episode: Advanced AGENTS.md patterns and workflow optimization 👉 Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and future tutorials at https://snapperai.io/ --- 🎬 Ready to become a Codex CLI power user? Hit subscribe and turn on notifications for the complete mastery series where we unlock every advanced feature!