Codify
Terraform for Dev Environments
Last verified:
What is Codify?
Codify is a declarative configuration-as-code ecosystem for managing your development environment on macOS, Linux, and Windows (WSL). It allows developers to define their installations and settings once in a single codify.json or codify.jsonc configuration file and apply them to any machine for a portable, reproducible setup. The tool supports 50+ core resources including package managers like Homebrew, nvm, pyenv, asdf, IDEs like VS Code and Android Studio, databases like PostgreSQL, container tools like Docker, and cloud CLI tools like AWS CLI and Terraform.
Key features include the Codify Agent, an AI-powered assistant that lets you describe your environment in plain English (e.g., "Set up my machine for Node.js development with VS Code") and automatically generates the configuration without requiring you to write JSON. The CLI follows a Detect-Plan-Configure-Verify automation flow: it reads your current system state, calculates required changes, applies configuration settings, and ensures everything works. Codify shows you a plan before making any changes, letting you review and edit the generated config before applying it with the `codify apply` command.
Codify is built for every kind of developer - solo freelancers, growing teams, and new developers getting started. It standardizes development environments across teams, getting new team members up and running instantly while keeping everyone's local installations perfectly in sync. The tool is open source from day one, allowing you to audit the code, customize it for your needs, and trust what runs on your machine. Security features include sudo prompts for privileged operations, injection prevention through parameter escaping, plugin verification for third-party plugins, and open source code transparency.
Codify pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Codify is completely free. The Codify CLI and resource library are open source with no paid tiers. There is a free tier available for all users. You can use the Web App at dashboard.codifycli.com with no download required, download the Desktop App for full feature set, or use the CLI for terminal-based workflow. All three interfaces (Web App, Desktop App, CLI) are free to use with access to the same 50+ core resources and AI-powered Codify Agent.
Codify pros
- Open source from day one - full code auditability
- Supports 50+ core resources including package managers, IDEs, databases, and cloud tools
- AI-powered Codify Agent generates config from plain English descriptions
- Works across macOS, Linux, and Windows WSL with one tool
- Declarative configuration-as-code approach with codify.json/codify.jsonc
- Shows plan before applying changes - no surprises
- One-command setup with `codify apply`
- No JSON required when using the AI Agent
- Smart defaults that work out of the box
- Version controlled and portable environment definitions
- Change history with ability to roll back anytime
- Three interface options: Web App, Desktop App, and CLI
- Web App requires no download for fastest setup
- Bidirectional - can generate configs from current system setup
- Sudo prompts for every privileged operation
- Injection prevention through parameter escaping
- Plugin verification for third-party plugins
- IDE support with auto-completion for codify.jsonc in VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and more
- Resource library is open source and customizable
- Smart defaults eliminate manual configuration headaches
Codify cons
- Currently macOS-focused with Linux and WSL support but limited native Windows support
- Windows installer is not code-signed, triggering SmartScreen warnings
- Some Linux distributions require libfuse2 for AppImage to run
- No native JetBrains plugin yet - uses JSON schema store instead
- JSON auto-completion in JetBrains IDEs has unresolved bugs
- Requires sudo privileges for installation
- 3rd party plugins support not yet fully added
- VSCode and Intellij plugins for intellisense are planned but not yet available
- Manual PATH addition needed for portable tarball installations
- Limited to POSIX-compliant shells for CLI installation
Frequently asked questions about Codify
What is Codify and what does it do?
Codify is a declarative configuration-as-code ecosystem for managing your development environment. It lets you define your installations and settings once in a codify.json or codify.jsonc file and apply them to any Mac, Linux, or Windows machine. Codify consists of a configuration language, a web and desktop app, a growing library of 50+ supported tools and applications, an execution engine, and an AI agent called the Codify Agent.
How do I get started with Codify?
There are three ways to get started: 1) Use the Web App at dashboard.codifycli.com with no download required - sign in, start a new chat with the Codify Agent, describe what you want to set up (e.g., 'Set up my machine for Node.js development with VS Code'), review the generated configuration, and click Apply. 2) Use the Desktop App for regular use with the full feature set. 3) Use the CLI if you prefer working in the terminal - install Codify, create a codify.jsonc file, and run `codify apply`.
What tools and applications does Codify support?
Codify supports 50+ core resources including: Languages (Node.js via nvm, Python via pyenv, Java via jenv, Go via jenv), Tools (Homebrew, Git, git-lfs, Homebrew), Databases (PostgreSQL), Cloud (AWS CLI, Terraform), Containers (Docker), IDEs (VS Code, Android Studio), and utilities (SSH,_PATH and Alias). You can view all resources on their documentation page.
Is Codify open source?
Yes, Codify is open source from day one. The Codify CLI and resource library are both open source. You can audit the code yourself, customize it for your needs, and trust what runs on your machine. The GitHub repository is at github.com/codifyCLI/codify-cli.
How does the AI Codify Agent work?
The Codify Agent lets you describe your environment in plain English without writing JSON. Chat with the agent about what you want to build - it figures out the tools needed, generates the config, asks clarifying questions if needed, and lets you apply it all from a single chat window. The agent uses the same pre-tested Codify plugin library (not raw scripts), so everything it installs is reliable and reversible. You can review the generated config, make edits, and apply it directly from the chat window - nothing changes on your machine without your sign-off.
What is the codify.json file format?
The codify.json file is a top-level JSON array with child objects representing individual configs that define resources. Each config block must have a 'type' field specifying the resource type (e.g., 'homebrew', 'nvm', 'pyenv', 'terraform', 'vscode'). Resources can have additional parameters for installation options. You can add a 'name' parameter to uniquely identify resources when there are multiple of the same type, and use 'dependsOn' to specify dependencies between resources and control application order. The file can also include project configs with type 'project' for adding plugins.
How do I install Codify?
For macOS: Download the .dmg file and drag Codify to Applications, or use the PKG installer. For Linux: Download the AppImage (recommended, works without root), DEB package, or RPM package depending on your distribution. For Windows (WSL): Download the NSIS (.exe) or MSI installer - Codify runs inside WSL and will guide you through selecting a WSL distro. For CLI on any platform: Use the installation script which works for arm64 and x64 on macOS, Linux, and WSL. The script will request sudo privileges to complete installation.
How does Codify handle security?
Security is built into every layer of Codify: 1) Sudo prompts - Codify prompts for sudo permission each time before privileged operations. 2) Injection prevention - All parameters are escaped to prevent malicious code execution. 3) Plugin verification - Third-party plugins are reviewed and verified before listing. 4) Open source - You can audit the code yourself to ensure it meets your security standards. The system also includes plugin sandboxing and uses pre-tested resource plugins rather than raw scripts.
Can I use Codify with my team?
Yes, Codify is built for teams. You can standardize your team's dev environments across macOS, Linux, and WSL with a single configuration file. This gets new team members up and running instantly while keeping everyone's local installations perfectly in sync. Configuration files are version controlled and portable, so you can share them with team members and apply the same environment across different machines.
Does Codify work on Windows?
Codify works on Windows through WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). The CLI installation script supports Windows (WSL) for both arm64 and x64 architectures. The Windows installer is available as NSIS (.exe) or MSI format, but it is not yet code-signed, so Windows SmartScreen will show a warning - you need to click 'More info' then 'Run anyway' to proceed. Once installed, Codify runs inside WSL and will guide you through selecting a WSL distro and installing the Codify CLI into it on first launch.