Running Claude Code and Codex at the Same Time

Managing modern software development often requires more than a single perspective from a large language model. When you are running Claude Code and Codex at the same time, you gain the ability to cross-reference logic, validate complex debugging steps, and generate alternative implementations simultaneously. Using multiple autonomous agents within a single environment reduces the cognitive load of switching contexts and allows for a more robust verification process during the development lifecycle.

The Logic of Multi-Agent Workflows

The decision to use two different agents like Claude Code and Codex CLI concurrently is usually driven by the specific strengths of their underlying models. Claude is often praised for its reasoning capabilities and its ability to handle large contexts with high coherence. On the other hand, Codex implementations are frequently optimized for rapid code generation and specific syntax patterns found in common frameworks.

By running these tools side-by-side, a developer can assign different roles to each. For example, one agent might focus on architectural refactoring while the other writes unit tests for the existing logic. This approach mirrors a peer review process, but at the speed of an automated terminal session.

Coordinating Terminals and Context

The primary challenge of running Claude Code and Codex at the same time is the management of state. Both agents need access to your file system, and both need to understand the current state of your git repository. If you run them in separate, disconnected terminal windows, you may find it difficult to track which agent made which change.

To handle this effectively, developers often use terminal multiplexers or specialized workspaces. The goal is to ensure that while Agent A is busy installing dependencies, Agent B can continue analyzing a separate module. You must be careful about race conditions. If both agents attempt to write to the same file simultaneously, you risk losing data or creating merge conflicts that require manual intervention.

Common Multi-Agent Use Cases

• Peer Review: Ask one agent to review the code generated by the other.
• Documentation and Code: Use one agent to update the markdown files while the other updates the implementation.
• Test Driven Development: Have one agent write the test cases and the other attempt to pass them.
• Debugging: Run a debugger in one panel while an agent analyzes the stack trace in another.

Leveraging Deska for Agent Orchestration

Deska provides a specialized environment that simplifies the process of running Claude Code and Codex at the same time. Instead of juggling multiple window tabs on your operating system, you use an infinite canvas. This canvas allows you to place terminal panels for both agents side-by-side, allowing you to visually monitor their progress.

In Deska, these agents run as individual terminals within a single workspace. Because the environment is local-first, the agents interact directly with your local files and git state. You do not have to worry about syncing files to a cloud environment; the agents operate on the same source of truth.

The Ask Deska assistant can also help manage these sessions. You can use voice commands to open new panels or check the status of a running process without taking your hands off the keyboard. If you need to step away, the mobile app allows you to monitor the progress of these agents from your phone.

Security and Privacy in Local Execution

Running multiple AI agents requires a high degree of trust in your tooling. Since these agents have the capability to execute commands and read your files, a local-first approach is essential. Deska ensures that your code and sessions stay on your machine. When you provide your own API keys via the BYOK model, you maintain full control over your data and costs.

This architecture is particularly important when running tools like Claude Code and Codex together, as the volume of tokens exchanged can be significant. By managing your own keys, you avoid the overhead of third-party middle layers and ensure that your intellectual property never leaves your local environment unnecessarily.

FAQ

Can I run Claude Code and Codex on the same file?

It is possible to run both on the same file, but it is not recommended to do so simultaneously. To avoid conflicts, let one agent finish its task before the other begins its analysis or editing.

How do I manage API costs with multiple agents?

You should monitor your usage through your provider dashboards. Using your own keys in a local-first workspace allows you to set limits and track which agent is consuming the most tokens.

Does running multiple agents slow down my computer?

Most AI agents are lightweight in terms of local CPU usage because the heavy processing happens on remote servers. However, running multiple terminals and a browser concurrently will consume RAM. Deska is optimized to manage these resources efficiently on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Getting Started with Multi-Agent Workspaces

If you are ready to improve your productivity by running Claude Code and Codex at the same time, the first step is to set up a workspace that can handle the complexity. You need an environment that provides visibility, control, and security.

Download Deska today to start building your own infinite canvas and experience a better way to manage your coding agents. By bringing all your tools into one zoomable workspace, you can focus on writing great software instead of managing windows.