OpenAI Unveils Codex CLI: A New AI-Powered Coding Tool for Developers

On April 17, 2025, OpenAI officially launched Codex CLI, a new open-source tool designed to accelerate and make the coding process more interactive. This innovative tool integrates artificial intelligence directly into the terminal, enabling users to write, edit, and manage code using natural language commands. 

The introduction of Codex CLI coincided with the announcement of OpenAI's latest AI models, o3 and o4-mini. By connecting OpenAI's language models with local machines, Codex CLI allows developers to work more efficiently on their own systems. An OpenAI representative noted that Codex CLI helps users experience coding in a faster and more interactive manner within their terminal environments. 

Codex CLI grants developers tools to read, modify, and execute code, allowing for more control over their projects. Users can select how independently the tool operates with three distinct ‘approval modes’. In Suggest mode, Codex CLI reads files, suggests edits, and can make user-approved changes to the code. 

Fully open-source, Codex CLI provides access to users with their own OpenAI API keys, thus enabling them to enhance their development processes while maintaining complete control over their workflows. OpenAI emphasized that Codex CLI represents a significant step toward broader integration of AI in software development, paving the way for more AI-assisted programming solutions alongside mobile app development and beyond.