OpenAI: Introducing the Agents API

What it is

OpenAI opened the harness behind Codex as a public-beta API: one call creates a cloud agent with a task, model, tools, and a compute environment, and OpenAI maintains the loop that manages context, coordinates subagents, and keeps long runs alive for days. You pick where it runs, OpenAI's sandbox, your own infrastructure, or a partner (Cloudflare, E2B, Modal, Vercel and others).

Why we picked it

Primary source on the shift from "agent framework you assemble" to "agent infrastructure you rent", relevant to any student deciding whether to build or buy. Developer-facing, so position it as depth, not week one.

How you might use it

Knowing what AI can and cannot do is worth more than knowing any single tool. The Lead AI, Don't Follow module is about staying in charge of the direction, not just the output. This resource fits that mindset.

Visit the resource

Opens the official site in a new tab.

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