Codex Full Course 2026: The NEW Best AI Coding Tool

Introduction to Open AI Codex

Overview of Codex Capabilities

• Codex is described as a unified all-purpose AI agent tool that can create and edit designs, conduct research, generate documents, deploy web apps, produce motion graphic videos, and develop iOS apps in Swift.

• The video will cover both basic functionalities and advanced multitasking capabilities of the Codex app.

Structure of the Video

• The presentation is divided into two parts: basics followed by multitasking applications. Part one focuses on prompting techniques and main features.

• Key topics include permissions, different AI models available, skills and plugins integration, automation creation, and computer control capabilities.

Getting Started with Codex

Downloading the App

• Instructions are provided for downloading the Codex app from a browser interface similar to chat.gpt. Users are guided through installation steps for Mac OS.

Initial Interface Overview

• Upon first launch, users encounter a left-side panel with five options resembling chat.gpt's interface but offering more extensive functionalities.

• A new "chats" column feature allows users to manage conversations effectively within specific project locations.

Project Management in Codex

Creating Projects

• Users can create organized folders for projects (e.g., "Riley's Codex projects") to store related files systematically. This organization aids in managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Each project can have its own dedicated folder where all relevant documents created by the AI agent will be stored automatically.

Chat Functionality

• Within each project folder, users can initiate chats that allow real-time interaction with the AI agent for research or document creation tasks while keeping track of progress visually through indicators like spinning circles for ongoing tasks.

Document Creation Features

Spreadsheet Generation

• Users can request specific outputs such as spreadsheets based on information gathered during chats; these files are saved directly into designated project folders for easy access later on.

File Management

• All generated files appear in an organized manner within their respective output folders; users can open them directly from the application or Finder view for further editing or review purposes.

Recap of Basic Features

Core Functionalities

• The primary functions discussed include chatting with an AI agent capable of creating/editing files while maintaining user-defined permissions regarding file management actions taken by the agent itself (full access recommended).

File Organization

• Files created by agents are automatically categorized under their respective project locations ensuring clarity and ease of navigation throughout various tasks performed using Codex tools.

Advanced Workflows

Search Functionality

• Users can search through past chats easily even if they have removed certain projects from their side panel; this enhances accessibility to previously conducted work without losing any data permanently.

Plugins vs Skills

• Clarification is provided between plugins (installable units extending functionality) versus skills (reusable workflows), emphasizing how both enhance user experience within the application.

Automations

Setting Up Automations

• Users learn how to automate repetitive tasks such as sending weekly email recaps based on calendar events using integrated Gmail functionality alongside Google Calendar plugin setup.

Testing Automations

• Demonstration includes testing automations directly within the app interface allowing users immediate feedback on task execution status while providing options for edits or adjustments as needed.

This structured markdown summary captures key insights from each section of the transcript while linking back to specific timestamps for easy reference during study sessions or reviews!

Creating AI-Integrated Tools and Skills

Overview of Paper Tool Integration

• The speaker discusses how to use a screenshot to highlight overlaps in work, allowing for real-time adjustments while the AI tool is processing.

• Once the AI completes its task, it can provide updates on changes made, such as moving CTAs and adjusting copy based on user input.

• The speaker emphasizes that "Paper" is designed specifically for connecting with AI agents like Codex and Claude, indicating a growing trend in tool integration.

Opportunities in AI Tool Development

• There is significant potential for creating tools that connect with existing platforms; the speaker critiques Figma's integration compared to Paper's more engaging interface.

• The ability of Paper to generate multiple variations of designs simultaneously showcases its efficiency and ease of use.

API Utilization for Automation

• The demand for official plugins from OpenAI will increase as more software platforms seek integration, highlighting the importance of being at the forefront of this trend.

• The speaker shares their experience using APIs to automate tasks like extracting YouTube transcripts, explaining what an API is in simple terms.

Building Custom Skills Using APIs

Creating a YouTube Transcript Skill

• When faced with repetitive tasks, the speaker suggests looking up available APIs that can simplify processes—like pulling YouTube transcripts efficiently.

• After selecting an API (Super Data), they explain how to obtain an API key necessary for accessing transcript data.

Automating Video Summarization

• By integrating Super Data into Codex, users can create skills that summarize videos from specific channels automatically by pulling transcripts directly.

• Emphasizing skill creation, the speaker notes that including specific commands helps Codex understand user needs better.

Implementing Skills and Automation

Utilizing Created Skills

• After creating a skill called "YouTube Researcher," users can request summaries and analyses of video performance metrics easily through new sessions in Codex.

Analyzing Video Performance

• Users can ask for detailed reports on video performance metrics such as viewer engagement based on intros and thumbnails used in videos.

• Insights gained from analyzing which hooks worked best help inform future content strategies.

Setting Up Automated Reports

Monthly Reporting Automation

• Users are guided through setting up automation processes where monthly reports are generated based on video performance data collected via their created skills.

Summary of Skill Creation Process

• A recap highlights how combining external APIs with Codex allows users to streamline workflows effectively by automating repetitive tasks.

Role Play: Multitasking with AI Agents

Introduction to Role Play Scenario

• In a role play exercise, the focus shifts towards multitasking effectively across various projects while utilizing different agents concurrently.

Project Planning and Execution

• The main goal is developing an iOS app alongside marketing efforts such as creating launch videos and investor decks while managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Developing Chorus App: Step-by-Step Guide

Initial Setup for Chorus App

• The speaker outlines plans for building a mobile app named "Chorus," detailing features aimed at educating users about AI agents.

Design Implementation

• They discuss using custom design skills extracted from other tools (Claude.ai/design), showcasing how these integrations enhance functionality during development.

Finalizing Features and Launch Preparations

Building Out App Functionality

• As screens are developed within Xcode, basic functionalities are established first before adding complex features later.

Collecting User Data Through Landing Page

• A web app landing page is created using Tally.so to collect user information ahead of launching the Chorus app officially.

Mobile App Development and Database Integration

User Interface Design Considerations

• The app's design includes a fading effect for items as they scroll down, ensuring that content does not appear beneath the bottom bar.

• Testing the mobile app reveals a visually appealing blur effect at both the top and bottom of the screen, enhancing user experience.

Platform Features and Functionality

• The app allows switching between different platforms, showcasing various skills for avatars. Users can save their preferences, which is a significant feature.

• Discussion on integrating a database to manage user sign-ins and update app icons efficiently.

Database Setup and AI Integration

• A long prompt is crafted to determine how to store platform types in a database while allowing AI editing capabilities.

• Emphasis on creating a secure database system that supports user sign-in and can scale with thousands of skills over time.

Utilizing AI for Development Assistance

• The importance of using AI agents like Codex to solve development challenges is highlighted; users can ask questions when unsure about next steps.

• Requesting 10 possible app icons without backgrounds that match the current style of the application.

Launch Video Planning

• Introduction of Remotion plugin for creating motion graphics from prompts, aiming to produce an engaging launch video for the mobile app.

• A list of considerations is requested for planning the launch video, focusing on effective communication about agent learning through the app.

Database Selection Process

• Postgres is identified as the best database option due to its compatibility with Clerk for authentication purposes.

• Supabase emerges as a preferred choice due to its popularity among coding platforms; it’s noted as an essential tool in modern development environments.

Video Production Insights

• Testing Remotion's functionality by creating mock-up scenes that showcase different screens within the mobile app.

• Instructions are given to create animations that effectively demonstrate features within the application during video production.

Enhancements and Adjustments

• Connection setup with Supabase is discussed; emphasis on ensuring all necessary features are enabled for optimal performance.

• Successful creation of tables in Supabase indicates progress in setting up backend functionalities needed for data management.

Curriculum Development from YouTube Content

• A request is made to extract lessons from existing YouTube videos related to agents, aiming to develop educational content within the app based on personal insights.

This structured summary captures key discussions around mobile app development, UI design considerations, database integration strategies, use of AI tools like Codex and Remotion, along with plans for curriculum development based on existing content. Each point links back directly to specific timestamps in order to facilitate easy reference.

How to Create an Investor Deck and Develop a Mobile App

Forking the Chat for Investor Deck Creation

• The speaker initiates the process by forking a chat in the mobile app, creating a new workspace titled "investor deck."

• The goal is to analyze features from the application and create an investor slide deck that matches previous styles used for Codex, Cursor, and OpenClaude.

• A built-in skill called PowerPoint is referenced; the speaker requests online research on current investor preferences for decks as of April 2026.

Working on Multiple Projects Simultaneously

• The speaker outlines ongoing projects: iOS app design, web app landing page, investor deck, and launch video.

• Claude is prompted to refine the PowerPoint presentation by reducing text and adding graphics while adhering to best practices.

Enhancing Presentation Design

• Emphasis is placed on improving readability through visuals like charts without altering existing content or adding slides.

• The integration with Canva allows easy access to design tools directly from Claude's output.

Developing Features in the Mobile App

• A fictional plan emerges focusing on leveraging audience engagement to build useful skills for existing tools like OpenAI.

• The speaker demonstrates how to run the app on an actual device using Xcode simulators or their phone.

User Authentication Implementation

• Plans are made to implement user sign-in functionality using Google authentication via Superbase.

• After testing email authentication instead of Google due to simplicity, successful sign-in confirms that user data can be saved within the app.

Finalizing Launch Video and Web App Deployment

• Discussion about exporting designs into Canva continues as final touches are applied before launching.

• The web app is deployed using Vercel, allowing early access registration through a public link.

Automating Social Media Management

• Typefully is introduced as a tool for managing multiple Twitter accounts; API keys are generated for automation purposes.

• Automation capabilities allow AI-generated drafts for social media posts based on set parameters.

Conclusion of Development Process

• The session wraps up with reflections on multitasking during development and encourages viewers to explore automation in their workflows.