Codex CLI works with a local repository from the terminal. Install it separately from this project's Homebrew profiles. The CLI and the desktop app can have different versions and update channels.
The official macOS standalone installer does not require Node.js:
curl -fsSL https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.sh | shThe same installer updates a standalone installation. If you originally installed Codex through npm or Homebrew, keep using that installation channel instead. Check which binary your shell resolves before adding another copy:
type -a codex
codex --versionSee the official installation guide for supported alternatives and current installer behavior.
Run codex login and sign in with ChatGPT for eligible subscription access.
API-key authentication is also available and uses API billing. An API key is
not required for ChatGPT sign-in.
If you intentionally use an API key, obtain it through your private environment or secrets manager and pass it through stdin:
printenv OPENAI_API_KEY | codex login --with-api-keyNever commit credentials or the CLI authentication store. See authentication for sign-in and storage options.
codex "explain the test suite in this repository"
codex --helpPermissions depend on the selected profile and environment. Codex can edit workspace files without an individual approval for every write; choose a profile that fits the task and review the resulting diff. See permissions.
Put project instructions in AGENTS.md. Keep runtime requirements, expected
checks, and deployment boundaries explicit. Model names and CLI flags evolve;
use the installed binary's help instead of copying an old example.
Use the uninstall procedure for the channel that owns the binary shown by
type -a codex. An npm uninstall does not remove a standalone installation,
and removing a desktop app does not necessarily remove the separate CLI.
Preserve project files and review credential removal separately.