OpenAI Codex CLI Works with ChatGPT Plan and VS Code Extension
Why does it matter when a command‑line tool suddenly clicks with a subscription most users already have? While the tech is impressive on its own, the real value shows up when the pieces fit together—especially for developers who spend their days shuffling between VS Code, a terminal, and cloud‑based pipelines. The openai/codex CLI has been listed among the “Top 5 Agentic Coding CLI Tools,” yet many still treat it as a stand‑alone experiment rather than a component of a broader workflow.
Here’s the thing: the ChatGPT plan, which many assume only powers chat interfaces, also unlocks extensions and CLI utilities that can streamline code generation, debugging, and deployment. When those capabilities line up, the plan becomes more than a chat service; it turns into a practical development aid. The following quote captures a user’s discovery that the CLI can be paired with the ChatGPT plan, expanding the usefulness of both tools in a way that many haven’t considered.
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*Codex CLI* I recently started using the openai/codex CLI, and I didn't realize that I could use it with my ChatGPT plan. The ChatGPT plan is much more valuable when you have access to VS Code extensions, terminal CLI tools for agentic coding, and cloud-based agentic workflows. If you prefer not to pa
Codex CLI I recently started using the openai/codex CLI, and I didn't realize that I could use it with my ChatGPT plan. The ChatGPT plan is much more valuable when you have access to VS Code extensions, terminal CLI tools for agentic coding, and cloud-based agentic workflows. If you prefer not to pay for the $20 ChatGPT subscription, you can still use it with the OpenAI Developer API.
What's even better is that you can modify the configuration file to use GLM or Minimax models as well. It is fully customizable, but the experience with external APIs can drop significantly, where it doesn't understand certain tags or calls the wrong tools.
What sticks out is the sheer number of CLI options that promise a fully automated developer experience. The openai/codex CLI, for instance, now works with a ChatGPT plan, unlocking VS Code extensions and terminal‑based agentic workflows that the author finds “much more valuable.” Yet the author’s love‑hate relationship with agentic coding hints at lingering doubts. Which of the five tools truly delivers on speed, reliability, and integration for MLOps or “vibe” projects?
The article offers benchmarks, but it stops short of confirming long‑term stability or ease of maintenance. Unclear whether the cloud‑based workflows will mesh smoothly with existing pipelines, or if the promised automation will outweigh the learning curve. For readers weighing options, the takeaway is cautious optimism: the tools are available, they can be combined with a ChatGPT plan, but practical outcomes remain to be validated through real‑world use.
Further Reading
- Introducing upgrades to Codex - OpenAI
- Codex CLI Tool Review - Elite AI Assisted Coding
- Codex vs Claude Code: Ultimate 2025 Comparison Guide - Laozhang AI Blog
- Introducing Codex - OpenAI
- Claude Code vs OpenAI Codex: which is better in 2025? - Northflank
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Common Questions Answered
How does the openai/codex CLI integrate with a ChatGPT plan?
The openai/codex CLI can be used directly with a ChatGPT plan, which unlocks access to VS Code extensions and terminal‑based agentic workflows. This integration enhances the value of the $20 subscription by enabling seamless development across the editor, CLI, and cloud pipelines.
Can developers use the Codex CLI without a ChatGPT subscription?
Yes, developers who prefer not to pay for the ChatGPT plan can still operate the Codex CLI via the OpenAI Developer API. This alternative provides full functionality, though it may lack the bundled VS Code extension support offered by the ChatGPT subscription.
What customization options are available for the Codex CLI's underlying model?
Users can modify the Codex CLI configuration file to switch from the default model to alternatives such as GLM or Minimax models. This flexibility allows developers to experiment with different language model capabilities within the same command‑line workflow.
Why does the article describe the Codex CLI as part of a broader agentic coding workflow?
The article emphasizes that the real value of the Codex CLI emerges when it connects with VS Code extensions, terminal tools, and cloud‑based pipelines, forming a cohesive agentic coding environment. This integration supports faster, more reliable development, especially for MLOps or “vibe” projects that require automated code generation and execution.