Complete Guide to Codex Commands (2026 Edition)

Codex is a popular AI programming assistant. Below is a comprehensive reference of its command-line interface, showing how to start interactive sessions, run one‑off prompts, view help, manage configuration, and more.

1. codex – Start interactive mode

Launches the Codex chat interface, allowing continuous development conversations. codex After starting, you can directly chat, for example:

帮我分析这个项目

解释 UserService

帮我修复 Bug

生成测试代码

Typical scenarios

Daily development

Reading project code

Writing code

Debugging

2. codex "Prompt" – One‑off prompt

Executes a single prompt and exits immediately. codex "解释这个项目" Example: codex "帮我写Redis缓存" Output example:

public class RedisService {
    ...
}

Suitable for

Quick Q&A

Automatic script generation

Shell invocation

3. codex --help – List all commands

codex --help

Displays sections such as Commands, Options, and Examples. This is the best entry point for learning Codex.

4. codex --version – Show version

codex --version

Example output:

1.3.0

Applicable when

Checking installed version

Diagnosing environment issues

5. codex login – Log in

codex login

After a successful login you can invoke the model.

6. codex logout – Log out

codex logout

Switch accounts

Clear authentication

7. codex doctor – Environment check

codex doctor

Checks API, network, permissions, configuration, and environment variables.

8. codex config – View configuration

codex config

Shows current settings such as Model, Sandbox, Approval, Workspace, allowing a quick overview of the runtime configuration.

9. codex update – Upgrade Codex

codex update

Updates to the latest version.

10. /help – Show interactive commands

After entering Codex, typing /help displays chat commands, shortcuts, and configuration explanations.

11. /clear – Clear context

/clear

Starts a new task and prevents context contamination.

12. /model – Switch model

/model

Lists available models and lets you switch, useful for testing capabilities, controlling cost, or changing inference power.

13. /status – Show current status

/status

Typically includes Model, Workspace, Approval, Sandbox, helping confirm the development environment.

14. /diff – Show AI modifications

/diff

Outputs added or removed code sections, e.g., + 新增缓存 or - 删除旧逻辑. Ideal for code review.

15. /undo – Undo last change

/undo

If the AI made an incorrect edit, you can quickly revert.

16. /exit or Ctrl+D – Exit Codex

/exit

Ends the current development session.