Join me as I chat with Ben Tossell to discuss how non-technical users can leverage OpenAI’s Codex to build and modify websites without writing code. The video showcases a practical example of adding a new tab to a personal website through simple text commands, with Codex handling all the coding work. Ben explains GitHub basics, pull requests, and how to manage code changes while emphasizing that this approach makes coding more accessible to beginners.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
01:28 – What is Codex
02:38 – Explanation of GitHub and repositories
05:54 – Demonstration of adding a new tab to a website
10:53 – Why use Codex if you are non-technical
15:26 – Explanation of merging and closing pull requests
18:18 – Best practices for non-technical people using Codex
21:54 – Tips for Debugging using ChatGPT
23:47 – More advanced use cases beyond personal websites
25:30 – Cloning a Repo and using Codex
30:08 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Codex
Key Points:
• Codex is an OpenAI terminal product that allows users to type in tasks, generate code, and push it to GitHub without writing code themselves
• The workflow involves creating tasks, reviewing generated code, creating pull requests, and merging changes
• For non-technical people, Codex offers a more accessible entry point to coding than traditional development
• Best practice is to start with simple personal website projects before attempting more complex applications:
1) What is Codex?
It’s OpenAI’s terminal tool that lets you:
• Type in a task in plain English
• It writes the code for you
• Then pushes it to GitHub
The GAME-CHANGER? You never have to look at or understand the code itself!
2) The Codex Workflow
Ben demonstrated adding a "Food I Like" tab to his website:
• Type the task in plain English
• Codex generates the code
• Create a pull request
• Merge the changes
• Your site updates!
All with just a few button clicks – NO coding required.
3) Why Codex vs. Other No-Code Tools?
Most text-to-app builders (like Bolt) create OVERBUILT UIs but UNDERBUILT functionality.
With Codex:
• You build iteratively
• Each change is tested before merging
• You’re creating REAL, working code
• Mobile-friendly workflow through [chat.tv](http://chat.tv/)
4) GitHub Demystified
Ben explains GitHub simply:
• It stores your code
• "Repositories" are your projects
• "Branches" let you work on features separately
• "Pull requests" merge your changes
• "Commits" track what changed
+12 -0 = Added 12 lines of code, removed none
5) Best Practices for Beginners
Start SMALL:
• Create a personal site
• Add simple features one by one
• If something breaks, you can roll back
• Use ChatGPT when stuck
Don’t try building Spotify on day one! Build confidence with small wins first.
6) The Learning Curve
Codex introduces coding concepts gradually:
• Start with HTML/CSS/JS for personal sites
• Progress to databases and authentication
• Leverage open-source projects
• Learn terminology as you go
It’s like learning to code, but with training wheels!
7) The Big Picture
"All of this looks scary… but I’ve been non-technical forever."
Codex bridges the gap between no-code and full development:
• Less overwhelming than pure coding
• More powerful than pure no-code
• Introduces you to real development workflows
• Builds confidence through small wins
Notable Quotes:
"I think all of this looks scary or feels scary and there’s too many things launched all the time… just test this one thing and on this one simple site idea and this one simple feature, you just gotta start there." – Ben Tossell
"It really doesn’t feel like coding, but it is." – Ben Tossell
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future – from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn ‘what if’ into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringMarketing — Vibe Marketing for Sale: http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire – a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
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X/Twitter: https://x.com/bentossell
Ben’s Bites: https://www.bensbites.com
