Built a mvp / prototype with Codex CLI?
We'll make it production-ready.
You built a prototype with an AI tool and it works — on your machine, with your test data, for the happy path. Now you need real users to validate your idea. The goal isn't perfection — it's getting to a state where real people can use it safely and reliably. That means fixing the critical gaps without over-engineering.
MVP / Prototype challenges in Codex CLI apps
Building a mvp / prototype with Codex CLI is a great start — but these challenges need attention before launch.
Identifying what actually needs fixing
Not everything needs to be production-grade for an MVP. The challenge is knowing which shortcuts are acceptable (visual polish, advanced features) and which aren't (security, data loss, broken core flows). Our audit prioritizes fixes by impact.
Security minimum
Even an MVP handles user data. You need authentication that works, data isolated per user, no exposed secrets, and HTTPS. You don't need enterprise-grade security, but you need the basics done right.
Deployment
Your app runs locally but deploying it involves environment variables, domain configuration, SSL, and build optimization. First-time deployment is where most AI prototypes hit unexpected issues.
Error handling
When something goes wrong (and it will), your users should see a helpful message — not a white screen or a raw error. Basic error handling is the difference between 'this app is buggy' and 'something went wrong, please try again.'
Core flow reliability
Your main user flow (signup → core action → outcome) must work every time. Edge cases in secondary flows can wait, but the core path needs to be solid for your MVP to generate valid learnings.
What we check in your Codex CLI mvp / prototype
Common Codex CLI issues we fix
Beyond mvp / prototype-specific issues, these are Codex CLI patterns we commonly fix.
API keys and secrets written directly into generated source files
Codex CLI generates code with placeholder credentials that developers often replace with real values inline, leaving secrets committed to version control. There is no .env scaffolding or secret management setup by default.
No authentication or authorization on generated API endpoints
When Codex generates Express or FastAPI backends, routes are created without middleware for authentication, meaning every endpoint is publicly accessible immediately after deployment.
Single-file output breaks apart for any real project structure
Codex frequently outputs all logic into one or two files rather than organizing code into modules, services, and utilities — making the result hard to maintain and extend as the codebase grows.
Generated code lacks awareness of existing project context
Because Codex operates from a prompt without full codebase indexing, it generates code that duplicates existing utilities, ignores established conventions, and introduces conflicting patterns alongside your real code.
Start with a self-serve audit
Get a professional review of your Codex CLI mvp / prototype at a fixed price.
External Security Scan
Black-box review of your public-facing app. No code access needed.
- OWASP Top 10 vulnerability check
- SSL/TLS configuration analysis
- Security header assessment
- Expert review within 24h
Code Audit
In-depth review of your source code for security, quality, and best practices.
- Security vulnerability analysis
- Code quality review
- Dependency audit
- Architecture review
- Expert + AI code analysis
Complete Bundle
Both scans in one package with cross-referenced findings.
- Everything in both products
- Cross-referenced findings
- Unified action plan
100% credited toward any paid service. Start with an audit, then let us fix what we find.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build a mvp / prototype with Codex CLI?
Codex CLI is a great starting point for a mvp / prototype. It handles the initial scaffolding well, but mvp / prototype apps have specific requirements — identifying what actually needs fixing and security minimum — that need professional attention before launch.
What issues does Codex CLI leave in mvp / prototype apps?
Common issues include: api keys and secrets written directly into generated source files, no authentication or authorization on generated api endpoints, single-file output breaks apart for any real project structure. For a mvp / prototype specifically, these issues are compounded by the need for identifying what actually needs fixing.
How do I make my Codex CLI mvp / prototype production-ready?
Start with our code audit ($19) to get a clear picture of what needs fixing. For most Codex CLI-built mvp / prototype apps, the critical path is: security review, then fixing core flow reliability, then deployment. We provide a fixed quote after the audit.
How much does it cost to fix a Codex CLI-built mvp / prototype?
Our code audit is $19 and gives you a complete report of issues. Fixes start at $199 with our Fix & Ship plan. For larger mvp / prototype projects, we provide a custom fixed quote after the audit — no hourly billing.
Get your Codex CLI mvp / prototype production-ready
Tell us about your project. We'll respond within 24 hours with a clear plan and fixed quote.