comparison

2 questions

AI

Codex CLI is free with my ChatGPT plan. Why pay for Claude Code?

Both tools run in your terminal and write code. Claude Code's edge is depth: hooks, MCP, plugins, sandboxing, agent teams, and scheduled tasks have no equivalent in Codex CLI. Codex wins on bundled pricing and a simpler surface. Use both as separate tools.
AI

Should I use Claude Code in my terminal or Cursor in my editor?

Cursor is an editor with AI baked in; Claude Code is a terminal agent with hooks, slash commands, skills, subagents, MCP, plugins, and channels. Use Cursor when the work is line-level inside one file you have open. Use Claude Code when the work spans many files, needs scripting around it, or runs unattended.