How to install CODEX

1. Prerequisites

• Install a recent version of Git.
• Install VS Code (recommended) and a modern shell (bash/zsh/PowerShell).
• Ensure Node.js LTS is installed if your CODEX setup requires JS tooling.
• Create or sign in to your provider account with API/model access enabled.

2. Install the CODEX CLI/agent

1. Follow the official CODEX installation docs for your platform.
2. Install using the package manager or installer recommended in the docs.
3. Confirm installation: run the CODEX version command in terminal.
4. If command is not found, restart terminal and verify your PATH.

3. Configure credentials securely

• Set API keys/tokens using environment variables, not hardcoded files.
• Store secrets in your shell profile or a secure secret manager.
• Add secret files to `.gitignore` so keys are never committed.
• Run a quick auth check command to verify access.

4. Connect CODEX to your project

• Open your repository root in VS Code.
• Initialize project instructions (`AGENTS.md`) and shared coding rules.
• Run CODEX in the project directory so it has repository context.
• Verify it can read files, run checks, and propose patch-based edits.

5. Validate with a smoke test

1. Ask CODEX to make one safe, small change.
2. Run your test/lint commands.
3. Review generated diff for correctness and style compliance.
4. Commit with a clear message and sign-off once checks pass.

6. Troubleshooting

• Auth failures: re-check token scopes and environment variable names.
• Command not found: verify install path and terminal profile load order.
• Poor output quality: tighten prompt constraints and add acceptance criteria.
• Inconsistent edits: provide exact target files and desired output format.