Decision basis: OpenAI's Codex app, CLI, IDE, security and plan documentation was checked on 25 August 2026. We did not install any surface or run a repository task. This page selects an interface from the job's environment and review needs; it does not compare model intelligence.

The app, command line and IDE extension are not three pricing tiers. They are three places to supervise work. Pick the place that exposes the context and checkpoints your task needs.

Convert the request into a task intake

Before opening Codex, write down:

  • repository location and whether it may leave the machine;
  • required files and excluded directories;
  • commands that are safe without a separate approval;
  • tests or screenshots that prove completion;
  • the reviewer who accepts the diff;
  • whether the task must continue while your computer is unavailable.

A vague task makes every surface look equivalent. A bounded task reveals whether you need terminal composition, editor-local context or multi-task visual coordination.

Choose a Codex surface from the working environment
ScenarioFitReasonVerify before deciding
One local repository and scripted checksstrongThe CLI keeps shell commands, diffs and repeatable verification close to the repository.Confirm sandbox and approval settings, working directory and the exact test command.
Interactive editing inside the current file setstrongThe IDE extension keeps selections, inline context and review inside the editor already used by the developer.Check which workspace is open and inspect every proposed diff before accepting it.
Several isolated tasks or longer delegated workconditionalThe app is designed to coordinate parallel work and review outputs, but isolation and ownership still need explicit setup.Name each task boundary, worktree or environment and its acceptance evidence.
Production action with no rollbackweakChanging the interface does not make an irreversible task safe.Create a staged, recoverable workflow before selecting any surface.

Choose a Codex surface from the working environment

  1. Scenario
    One local repository and scripted checks
    Fit
    strong
    Reason
    The CLI keeps shell commands, diffs and repeatable verification close to the repository.
    Verify before deciding
    Confirm sandbox and approval settings, working directory and the exact test command.
  2. Scenario
    Interactive editing inside the current file set
    Fit
    strong
    Reason
    The IDE extension keeps selections, inline context and review inside the editor already used by the developer.
    Verify before deciding
    Check which workspace is open and inspect every proposed diff before accepting it.
  3. Scenario
    Several isolated tasks or longer delegated work
    Fit
    conditional
    Reason
    The app is designed to coordinate parallel work and review outputs, but isolation and ownership still need explicit setup.
    Verify before deciding
    Name each task boundary, worktree or environment and its acceptance evidence.
  4. Scenario
    Production action with no rollback
    Fit
    weak
    Reason
    Changing the interface does not make an irreversible task safe.
    Verify before deciding
    Create a staged, recoverable workflow before selecting any surface.

Surface-selection tree

Choose the CLI when the task is naturally expressed as repository plus commands and the operator wants a compact terminal record. Choose the IDE extension when the current editor, selection and inline diff are the main review frame. Choose the app when the value comes from separating tasks, supervising longer work or moving between multiple workspaces.

If two surfaces qualify, choose the one where the final reviewer will inspect evidence. Avoid starting in the app, continuing in an IDE and finishing in a terminal unless the handoff records branch, pending changes and last verified command.

Plan the environment handoff

A task can move surfaces without moving authority. At each handoff record the absolute repository, active branch, dirty files, last command, remaining acceptance checks and any approval that should not carry forward. Re-read repository instructions because a UI change and a deployment task may have different boundaries.

Cloud or delegated work adds another question: which environment owns dependencies, credentials and network access? Do not assume a remote task sees the same ignored files or services as a local session.

Make review visibility the deciding factor

The useful surface is the one that lets the reviewer answer four questions quickly: What changed? Why these files? What proved it? What remains unverified? Inline diffs can help a small edit; a terminal transcript can help a scripted migration; a task-oriented app can help compare isolated results. None is evidence by itself.

Use the Codex safety runbook after choosing a surface. For account economics, use the Codex task-cost worksheet.

The unresolved part is observed ergonomics. No surface was installed, no handoff was attempted and no task duration was measured, so the final choice needs a small repository trial.