Codex VScode: Connect a paid assistant

Codex in VSCode is a way to work with AI right next to code and files without switching to a browser. You set a task, and immediately you see what it changes in the project.

## Why Codex if we already have AI

After Cline, the logical question often arises: why more Codex? The answer is simple and practical. Codex runs on the basis of GPT 5.2 codex and this model is much better than the free versions of AI that Cline has.

Yes, in Cline there are also paid versions, the same GPT codex, but there ** the cost comes out more, because payment goes for tokens**, in the code the tariff is by subscription, with a limited quota, but it is more profitable than in Cline.

*Квота — это максимальное количество или частота операций, разрешённых платформой. *

## What is Codex in Simple Words

Codex is an AI assistant from OpenAI that can work with code and projects. In the context of VS Code, it acts as an extension through which you can give tasks and receive changes directly in the editor.

It is important to immediately fix: Codex does not replace the editor and does not live separately from the project. It runs inside the folder you opened in VS Code and relies on the files that are there.

Installation of Codex in VS Code

Important: In order to use codex, you need to pay for a subscription version of GPT Plus and higher

Now to concrete steps.

• Open the VS Code.
• Go to the Extensions section - this is the icon with the cubes on the left. In the search bar, type Codex.
• Select the Codex extension from OpenAI and click Install.

Installation takes a little time and does not require complex actions.

Once installed, the Codex interface will appear in the editor – usually a separate panel or window for communicating with AI.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="/uploads/23.webp" alt=" />

## First start-up and connection

When you first run, Codex will ask you to log in or specify access to the AI. It's standard. Codex doesn’t work by itself, it needs access to the model.

At this stage, you do not need to go into details. Your goal is to get to the point where:

• codex interface is open,
• you see the input field,
• you can write a request.

Авторизация в codex происходит через аккаунт ChatGPT, так же есть вариант через API, но это для опытных пользователей, об этом позже.XX

## What the working process looks like now

From this point on, the working picture becomes very simple.

You have a project in the VS Code.
You formulate the problem in Codex.
Codex analyzes project files and suggests changes.
You can see what files are touched and what has changed in them.

Even if you don’t understand the code line by line, you understand the main thing: what exactly was done and where. This is the key difference between working in an editor and communicating with AI in a browser.

## What not to do at this stage

With Codex, it’s easy to go to extremes and start asking “do it all at once.” That's not worth doing right now.

At launch:

• don't give too big a task,
• don't ask to generate a whole project,
• don’t try to optimize or “do it beautifully.”.

Use Codex for simple and straightforward steps to see the connection between the query and the result.

## Check that everything is installed correctly

Codex can be considered ready to work if:

• VS Code is open,
• the project folder is open,
• codex interface is available,
• you can request and see changes in the files.

That's enough to move on.