AI assistants
The CHPC is setting up AI assistant clients that interface with either cloud or local AI models. We currently have modules set up for three popular text user interfaces (TUI): claude, codex, and opencode. The first two interact with commercial models. In the case of Claude, users bring their own subscriptions. Codex, an OpenAI product, can be used with the university subscription (ChatGPT Edu). OpenCode can be set up with either commercial models or a locally run model, which is the default when a user starts the CHPC's OpenCode module. We are in early evaluation of the local model; therefore, it will not be available at all times.
The CHPC will host a presentation, newly added to the Spring 2026 presentation series, on coding agents on Tuesday, April 21. For details, please see the events page. Additionally, for more information and instructions, see the documentation on the CHPC website. Please keep in mind that this field changes very rapidly; the documentation and our recommendations may change over time.
The Codex and OpenCode modules include information about CHPC systems to provide more relevant output. In particular, they have a description of Slurm scheduling on CHPC systems and are a great way to generate a Slurm job script. Give it a try!
Commercial assistants like Claude or Codex are also available as extensions to VS Code. We are evaluating VS Code extensions for local models; however, local models for VS Code are not ready for production use. We will provide an update on this in the future.
Please note that AI assistants can be only used in the General Environment. We are working on a local solution for the Protected Environment. Users are ultimately responsible for storing and processing data in a manner consistent with regulations, contracts and data use agreements, and the guidelines and policies of the University of Utah (see, for example, the AI guidelines, Policy 4-004, and details on data classification in Rule 4-004C), whether using CHPC systems, university-managed workstations, or personal devices.