I want to understand the difference between using ChatGPT mode and Codex mode in the ChatGPT app. Both seem to do the same thing, and I can brainstorm, execute tasks, and reference files in both places. I’m not exactly sure when to use which one, and we only use Codex mode throughout. What are the recommendations?
Welcome to the community @bhupendra_negi,
There is some overlap, so it’s understandable that they can feel similar. I’m summarizing this from the docs to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding. When it comes to ChatGPT, you can use Chat for questions and back-and-forth or/and Work for larger tasks and finished outputs.
Codex is the developer-focused view, designed especially for working with codebases, editing files, running commands and tests and reviewing technical changes.
From the Using ChatGPT:
| Choose | When you want to | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Chat | Work through something with ChatGPT | Ask a question, search the web, brainstorm, draft a message, compare options |
| ChatGPT Work | Define an outcome and get a reviewable result | Create a deck, analyze files, draft a report, build a project plan |
| Codex | Use developer tools and see technical details | Debug code, run tests, review a PR, implement a feature |
So it isn’t a strict capability boundary, the main difference is the workflow and how technical details are presented. If Codex already suits your workflow, there’s nothing wrong with continuing to use it.
You can also check Codex in the desktop app.
It would be helpful if “Codex” was able to seamlessly absorb the content of a “Chat” thread or a “ChatGPT Work” thread. Then you could switch between them when you find that your needs have shifted.
Chat is useful for discussion, Work for deliverables, and Codex for development: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275. Thanks for the follow-up idea—we’ll pass along switching modes while carrying the conversation with you. No timeline to share.