I tested Claude Code, Codex, and OpenCode on real full-stack work: a Next.js feature, a backend bug, a legacy refactor, and tests. My honest verdict.

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Three AI coding agents, one full-stack engineer, real project work. Claude Code is the one I trust when I don't fully understand the codebase yet, Codex is the one I use when the task is already clear, and OpenCode is the one I reach for when control, privacy, or model choice matters more than polish. The best pick depends on your workflow, budget, and tolerance for vendor lock-in, not a benchmark score. All three still need human review on architecture, security, and correctness.