Use Codex by Default
A plain version of the argument for using Codex as the default AI work surface.
Avoid AI-tool overwhelm. To start: Make Codex the default. Get the real work done first and then use another AI tool later when you've got time to muck around.
AI tools and workflows now have too many surfaces to explore. Claude Code is hipster. The Grok Build TUI is slick. Zed, OpenCode, OSS models abound. They're all a lot of fun. But the cost is attention. And you have serious work to do. Every tool choice is one more decision before the work starts.
Codex is a reasonable default because it covers the main places where work happens. It works for local projects, remote tasks, mobile check-ins. You can review code, edit files, and use nearly any software productivity plugin. It's not perfect. But it's production class, needs little tweaking out of the box, so it's sufficient.
This is a public service announcement. We are here to salvage your peace of mind. Whatever's left of it. A default is a discipline, not loyalty to a product. Stop chasing every new agent and workflow. Unless it's your day job, it's just technical debt. A default protects the work from the tools.
They are going to bleed your attention dry if you let them. Stand tall as a mighty Zeus. Get to work and finish it.