When using it in VSCode? The browser system running its own container seems like it would be the most demanding on their resources. The stand-alone client is Mac-only but I don't know if it makes a difference.

My goal is to do it within the usage I get from a $20 monthly plan.

You don't have to use their container thingy though, you can run Codex (CLI or VSCode, it doesn't matter) just fine in YOLO mode in your own local containers, or VMs, or however you want to isolate it.

Why would you use it in VSCode?

OpenAI are offering double the normal usage limits for Codex for two months. Go with them and do it in the terminal or the Mac OS codex app if you have a Mac.

It's different to use it in the terminal vs. vscode? Don't have a mac.

Sorry I wasn't aware it's available in vscode. Scratch my suggestion, then.

It is confusing especially when token efficiency is on the line.