# Codex Plugin Model Aliases: Understanding the Spark Alias Mapping

> Learn about the Codex plugin's spark alias and its mapping to gpt-5.3-codex-spark. Understand model aliases for OpenAI's Codex plugin.

- Repository: [OpenAI/codex-plugin-cc](https://github.com/openai/codex-plugin-cc)
- Tags: api-reference
- Published: 2026-07-16

---

**The Codex plugin supports exactly one model alias—`spark`—which internally maps to the full model identifier `gpt-5.3-codex-spark` when invoked via the CLI.**

The openai/codex-plugin-cc repository provides a command-line interface for interacting with OpenAI's Codex models. When working with **Codex plugin model aliases**, you can use the short `spark` identifier rather than typing the complete model name, simplifying task execution while maintaining precise model targeting.

## Supported Model Aliases

The plugin defines exactly one **model alias** within its source code. This alias serves as a shorthand reference that the CLI resolves to a specific Codex model version.

### The Spark Alias Implementation

In `plugins/codex/scripts/codex-companion.mjs`, line 72 defines the alias mapping:

```javascript
const MODEL_ALIASES = new Map([["spark", "gpt-5.3-codex-spark"]]);

```

This `Map` structure ensures that whenever you specify `--model spark`, the plugin substitutes `gpt-5.3-codex-spark` before sending the request to the underlying API.

## How to Use Model Aliases in Commands

You can invoke the Codex plugin using either the alias or the full model identifier. Both approaches trigger identical behavior.

### Using the Alias

```bash
node scripts/codex-companion.mjs task --model spark --effort low "diagnose the failing test"

```

### Using the Full Model Name

```bash
node scripts/codex-companion.mjs task --model gpt-5.3-codex-spark --effort low "diagnose the failing test"

```

The first command maps `spark` to `gpt-5.3-codex-spark` internally, while the second bypasses the alias resolution step.

## Implementation and Testing

The alias system is validated in `tests/commands.test.mjs`, which asserts that the `spark` input correctly resolves to `gpt-5.3-codex-spark`. The [`README.md`](https://github.com/openai/codex-plugin-cc/blob/main/README.md) documentation also references the `--model` flag and mentions the `spark` alias for user guidance.

According to the openai/codex-plugin-cc source code, no additional aliases are currently defined in the `MODEL_ALIASES` Map, making `spark` the exclusive shorthand available for model selection.

## Summary

- The **Codex plugin model aliases** system contains only one entry: `spark`.
- The alias maps to **`gpt-5.3-codex-spark`** as defined in `plugins/codex/scripts/codex-companion.mjs`.
- You can use `--model spark` interchangeably with `--model gpt-5.3-codex-spark` in CLI commands.
- The mapping is implemented via a JavaScript `Map` and verified by the test suite in `tests/commands.test.mjs`.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What model aliases are supported by the Codex plugin?

The Codex plugin supports exactly one model alias: `spark`. This alias provides a shorthand reference to the full model identifier `gpt-5.3-codex-spark` and is defined in the `MODEL_ALIASES` Map within the CLI script.

### What is the full model name for the spark alias?

The `spark` alias maps to **`gpt-5.3-codex-spark`**. When you specify `--model spark` in your command, the plugin internally substitutes this full identifier before processing the request.

### Where is the model alias mapping defined in the source code?

The mapping is defined in `plugins/codex/scripts/codex-companion.mjs` at line 72, where a JavaScript `Map` object associates the string `"spark"` with `"gpt-5.3-codex-spark"`.

### Can I use the full model name instead of the spark alias?

Yes, you can explicitly specify `--model gpt-5.3-codex-spark` instead of using the `spark` alias. Both methods invoke the same underlying model; the alias simply provides a shorter, more memorable command-line option.