The video presents a hands-on exploration of OpenAI’s new Codex CLI, a lightweight coding agent designed for terminal use, comparing it to Claude Code while demonstrating its installation and functionality for building an MCP server. The presenter shares a positive first impression of Codex, highlighting its user-friendly features, affordability, and potential for cost savings, while expressing enthusiasm for further testing and exploration.
In the video, the presenter discusses the recent release of OpenAI’s Codex CLI, a lightweight coding agent designed to run in the terminal. This tool is positioned as a competitor to Claude Code, which the presenter has previously favored. The video aims to provide a hands-on installation and testing experience using the new O4 Mini model, with the goal of building an MCP server. The presenter walks through the installation process on macOS, noting that the tool is also compatible with Linux and Windows.
After successfully installing Codex and setting up the API key, the presenter begins to explore its functionality. They create documentation related to MCP server development and attempt to build a server that utilizes the Replicate API and Cling AI video generator. The presenter emphasizes the importance of testing the capabilities of the O4 Mini model, particularly in comparison to previous models like O3, and expresses curiosity about its performance and pricing.
As the presenter interacts with Codex, they utilize commands to scaffold the MCP server and monitor the process. They highlight the tool’s ability to handle commands and provide feedback on errors, which they find user-friendly. The presenter also discusses the pricing structure of the O4 Mini model, noting its affordability compared to the O3 model, and expresses optimism about the potential for cost savings while maintaining performance.
Throughout the testing phase, the presenter prompts Codex to generate a video based on specific criteria, and they successfully receive a URL for the generated content. They appreciate the smooth operation of the MCP server and the overall experience with Codex, noting that it feels similar to using Claude Code. The presenter also explores the model selection feature, which allows users to switch between different models, enhancing the flexibility of the tool.
In conclusion, the presenter shares a positive first impression of Codex, highlighting its ease of use and potential for cost-effectiveness. While they acknowledge that it is too early to determine whether they will fully transition from Claude Code to Codex, they express enthusiasm for further exploration of the new tool. The video encourages viewers to check out OpenAI’s latest models and Codex, suggesting that it could be a valuable addition to their coding toolkit.