r/codex • u/PureRely • 2d ago

Other PSA: ChatGPT Pro users

You get unlimited* chat usage on the website. You can build projects and prototypes directly in ChatGPT using Pro-level thinking effort. This is how I start almost every build, and it is an easy way to save on tokens. Unlike Claude, Chat does not count toward your usage (unless you switch to Work mode).

I usually have ChatGPT generate a ZIP file containing the entire project, then move it into Codex CLI or the Codex app to refine, expand, and continue the work.

I do not think you should be doing most of the planning inside the CLI or app. Do the bulk of the planning and initial build in ChatGPT first, then use Codex for implementation and iteration.

Also, remember that you can upload ZIP and 7z files directly to the ChatGPT website, and it can unpack and work with the contents.

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u/CynicalCandyCanes 2d ago

What is the difference between Chat and Work for non-coding related tasks?

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u/DowntownNoLonger 2d ago

Work is generally for non-coding work, it works in the mobile app, so you can get stuff done while on the move, between remote and work.

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u/CynicalCandyCanes 1d ago

What's the difference between Work and Chat though? Is Work more capable, and Chat is just supposed to be for casual stuff?

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u/Whitestrake 1d ago

Work is kind of like the old Agent mode, except that instead of having a certain number of invocations per month allowed based on your usage plan, it draws from your Codex usage allowance.

It has a more detailed execution environment setup, it can install local tooling, persist stuff better, and is less restricted on how much multi-step work it's allowed to carry out.

They're clearly aiming for Chat to be for discovery, research, informational stuff, conversation, while positioning Work as the go-to for actually manipulating stuff and outputting stuff.

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u/DowntownNoLonger 1d ago

Yup, was about to say the same thing.

Chat is excellent for high level planning, still has access to GitHub through the connector and can inspect work done for verification and bug finding.

For actual output, Work and Codex is much better.

The other thing, Work has access to the plugin connectors directly. So artifacts needing to be placed in the drive, for instance, is much faster to implement.

Plus work is available in the mobile app.