# Claude Code vs Codex for beginners

Both Claude Code (by Anthropic) and Codex (by OpenAI) are coding agents that read your project, run commands with your permission, and follow a global instructions file (`~/.claude/CLAUDE.md` vs `~/.codex/AGENTS.md`).

| Criterion | Claude Code | Codex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Global instructions file | `~/.claude/CLAUDE.md` | `~/.codex/AGENTS.md` (reads 32 KiB by default; our guide is ≤ 24 KB) |
| Desktop app for beginners | Claude desktop app with a visual Code tab and folder picker. | Codex app / CLI and ChatGPT integration. |
| Permission controls | Manual mode asks before editing files or running terminal commands. | Approval modes ask before running commands or writing outside the workspace. |
| Account needed | Paid Claude plan (Pro or higher). | Paid ChatGPT plan or OpenAI API key. |

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Source: [Agentic Makers](https://agenticmakers.app/en/compare/claude-code-vs-codex) · License: CC BY 4.0