Codex CLI

Codex CLI is OpenAI's terminal-based coding agent. It accepts a custom base URL, so you can point it at OpenDunes and have all usage billed in Algerian Dinars while accessing any model in the catalog.

Set environment variables#

Codex CLI reads two variables — the API base URL and the key:

export OPENAI_BASE_URL="https://opendunes.com/v1"
export OPENAI_API_KEY="$OPENDUNES_API_KEY"

Because Codex CLI uses the OpenAI SDK internally, OPENAI_BASE_URL overrides the default api.openai.com endpoint. Set OPENAI_API_KEY to your OpenDunes key (not an OpenAI key).

Persist the config#

Add both lines to your shell profile so they apply automatically:

# ~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc
export OPENAI_BASE_URL="https://opendunes.com/v1"
export OPENAI_API_KEY="sk-0a1b2c3d..."   # your OpenDunes key

Reload with source ~/.zshrc (or open a new terminal).

Choose a model#

Pass the model flag when you invoke Codex:

codex --model openai/gpt-5.4 "Refactor the auth middleware to use middleware chaining"

Use the provider/model slug format from the OpenDunes catalog. Models with the tools capability flag work best with Codex's agentic loop (file reads, writes, shell commands).

Verify the setup#

codex --model openai/gpt-5.4 "Print hello world in Python"

You should see the model generate and optionally run a short script. Check Dashboard → Analytics to confirm the request was routed through OpenDunes.

DA billing and budget control#

Each Codex session can generate many sequential requests as the agent reads files and iterates on solutions. To avoid unexpected spend:

1. Create a dedicated codex-cli key in Dashboard → Keys.
2. Set a DA budget on that key (e.g., 300 DA per month).
3. Export that key as OPENAI_API_KEY in your shell.

When the budget is hit, Codex will receive a 402 error (payment_required) and stop. Raise the cap or top up your balance to continue.

Troubleshooting#

Next steps#

• Models — compare context windows and tool support across providers.
• API Keys — create and budget keys for agent workloads.
• Cursor — configure Cursor IDE through OpenDunes.