Codex CLI felt safer than Claude Code, but it cost me my flow

A hands-on comparison of OpenAI's Codex CLI versus Anthropic's Claude Code from a developer who uses Claude Code daily. Key differences observed: Codex CLI requires explicit, step-by-step instruction and granular permission approval, while Claude Code is more assumption-driven and context-aware. Codex CLI's sandboxed execution felt safer and prevented unintended changes, but broke established muscle memory and workflow habits built around Claude Code's slash commands. The author concludes Codex CLI is a useful tool for deliberate, controlled sessions but not a replacement for Claude Code as a daily driver.