The real scene of CLI first step: create a folder, launch Codex, type a goal, wait for the result.
Start with the map: it puts the article’s main decision in one place before the sections below unpack it.

One Clear Statement

CLI is not mysterious. It is just another entry point. What guides you is Codex — not you.

Copy This First

I want to start using Codex in this folder, but I do not know what to do next.

Please tell me:
1. What should we do right now?
2. If I encounter a page or error I do not recognize, what should I do?
3. When should I stop and wait for you to confirm, instead of continuing on my own?

I do not need to learn commands. I only need to tell you what I want to do.

The Real Scene: First Time Using Codex

You create a new folder on your computer and call it my-site.

You open the terminal, navigate to this directory, and launch Codex.

Here is what you might see:

Scenario A: Codex starts normally

It says something like “I see these files in this directory” or “How can I help you?” You tell it what you want to do, it tells you the next step.

Scenario B: It asks you to log in

Tell Codex the page state: “I see a login page asking me for an API Key.” Codex will tell you how to get one or which account to use.

Scenario C: It asks what you want to do

Just tell it the most specific thing you want. For example:

“I want to turn the README.txt in this folder into a webpage-style self-introduction.”

Minimal Explanation

CLI (Command-Line Interface) is just a door. You do not need to learn how to walk through the door — Codex guides you through.

Your job is only three things:

  1. State the goal clearly: I want to do this thing
  2. Confirm at key moments: Codex stops and asks if you want to continue
  3. Check the result: Was the file created? Does the website open?

You do not need to learn commands. What cd means, what npm is — these words will come up naturally as Codex guides you. When they come up, ask Codex what they mean. One word at a time is enough.

A Reusable Beginner Prompt

I am an ordinary person using Codex for the first time. I do not know what this tool can do or what commands to use.

In this directory, the very first thing I want to do is: turn my [file type] into a [target format, e.g. a webpage / an organized folder / a readable report].

What do I need to do first? What do I need to tell you so you can start helping me?

If You See This

Codex pauses waiting for your input:

Say the most specific thing you want. For example: “Help me see what is in this folder,” or “Turn the text I just sent you into webpage format.”

A wall of English text appears in the terminal:

Do not guess. Copy the whole text, send it to Codex and say: “I see this and I do not know what it means.”

Codex says “I am done”:

First ask: “Where are the files?” or “How do I see the result?” Make sure it put files somewhere you can find, then go look.

Not sure if you explained yourself clearly:

Tell Codex: “I am not sure if what I said was clear. Please tell me what you think I want to do, and correct me if I am wrong.”

How to Know You Are Done

You do not need to remember any commands.

After reading this page, you only need to do three things:

  • Find an empty folder
  • Open the terminal and navigate to that directory
  • Launch Codex and send it the beginner prompt above

If that worked — you are already using it.

Hint: On macOS, open the terminal by pressing Command + Space, typing “Terminal,” and pressing Enter. On Windows, search for “CMD” or “PowerShell.” Once open, type codex to launch.