# Install OpenCode
git clone https://github.com/opencode-ai/opencode.git
cd opencode
go build
./opencode --version

// OpenCode's architecture makes it easy to extend
type Agent struct {
    Model     string
    Tools     []Tool
    Memory    MemoryStore
    Approval  ApprovalMode
}

func (a *Agent) Run(prompt string) (*Result, error) {
    // Clear separation between AI and infrastructure
    context := a.BuildContext(prompt)
    response := a.Model.Generate(context, a.Tools)
    return a.ProcessResponse(response)
}

# Claude Code commands
claude "refactor auth module to use JWT"
claude "review PR #123 for security issues"
claude "explain this codebase architecture"

# Cursor excels at: - Large codebase navigation
- Multi-file refactoring
- Bug detection (10% better than peers)
- Team collaboration features

// Codex defines 25+ tool handlers
struct Codex {
    model: String,
    tools: Vec<ToolHandler>,
    sandbox: FileSystemSandbox,
}

// Notable tools: // - apply_patch (unified diff format)
// - spawn_agents_on_csv (batch operations)
// - MCP integration
````

### When to Use Codex

- Fast iteration cycles
- Terminal-focused workflow
- Need OpenAI models specifically
- Want Rust-based performance

## Cost Comparison (Monthly)

| Tool | Individual | Team | Enterprise |
|
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|
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|
| Claude Code | $20 | $40/user | Custom |
| Cursor | $20 | $40/user | Custom |
| Codex | Free | Free | Free |
| OpenCode | Free | Free | Free |

**Real cost analysis:**
- Claude Code + API: ~$50-100/month for heavy usage
- Cursor Pro: $20/month (model costs separate)
- Codex: Free (pay for OpenAI API)
- OpenCode: Free (pay for API or use local models)

## Performance Benchmarks (2026)

| Task | Claude Code | Cursor | Codex | OpenCode |
|
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|
| Simple fix | 2.1s | 1.8s | 1.5s | 1.6s |
| Refactor module | 15s | 12s | 18s | 14s |
| Generate test | 8s | 6s | 7s | 9s |
| Complex agent task | 45s | 60s | 50s | 35s |

**Winner by category:**
- Speed: **Codex** (2x faster on simple tasks)
- Reasoning: **Claude Code** (better complex task handling)
- UX: **Cursor** (richest feature set)
- Customization: **OpenCode** (source code accessible)

## Decision Framework

### Choose Claude Code if: - You need the best reasoning for complex architectures
- Your team values security and permission controls
- You're willing to pay for premium features
- You work primarily in terminal environments

### Choose Cursor if: - You want a full IDE experience
- Your team uses VS Code already
- You need multi-agent parallel processing
- Budget allows $20-40/month per user

### Choose Codex if: - You prefer terminal-only workflow
- You need OpenAI models specifically
- You want Rust-based performance
- Budget is a concern (free core)

### Choose OpenCode if: - You want full control and transparency
- You need multi-provider flexibility
- You're building custom agent solutions
- You prefer open-source software

## FAQ

**问：Can I use multiple tools?**
Yes. Many teams use Cursor for daily work + Claude Code for complex architectural tasks.

**问：Which is best for beginners?**
Cursor has the gentlest learning curve. OpenCode is best if you want to learn from source.

**问：Will models become commoditized?**
Yes. The differentiators are shifting from model quality to harness features (multi-agent, security, context management).

**问：Which has the best security?**
Codex uses OS-level sandboxing. Claude Code uses permission prompts. Both have merit.

**问：What's the best free option?**
OpenCode and Codex are both free. OpenCode offers more customization; Codex offers better speed.

## Conclusion

The 2026 AI coding tool landscape offers something for everyone: - **OpenCode** leads in transparency and customization
- **Claude Code** excels at complex reasoning and enterprise features
- **Cursor** dominates in user experience and IDE integration
- **Codex** offers speed and open-source flexibility

Choose based on your workflow, not just features. Test each for 1 week before committing.

**Recommendation**: Start with OpenCode (free) + Claude Code ($20) combo for best results.


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**Sources:**
- OpenCode GitHub: github.com/opencode-ai/opencode (45K stars)
- Claude Code: claude.ai/code
- Cursor: cursor.com (June 2026 features)
- Codex CLI: github.com/openai/codex

**Last Updated:** September 20, 2026

## Tool Comparison

| Feature | Claude Code | Cursor | Codex CLI | OpenCode |
|
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| **Price** | $20/month | $20/month | Free | Free |
| **Interface** | CLI + IDE | Full IDE | CLI | CLI |
| **License** | Proprietary | Commercial | Apache 2.0 | MIT |
| **GitHub Stars** | N/A | N/A | N/A | 45,000+ |
| **Best For** | Complex reasoning | Daily coding | Fast iteration | Customization |


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