Aider

What is Aider?

Aider is an open-source AI pair programming tool that works inside a terminal and edits files in an existing codebase. Developers can use cloud or local language models and choose from a broad range of supported providers. Aider builds a map of the repository so the model can reason about relevant code beyond the files currently being edited.

The tool integrates with Git and can automatically commit changes with descriptive messages. It also supports more than 100 programming languages, accepts images and web pages as context, can run linting and tests after edits, and attempts to fix detected problems. Developers can use it from a terminal, alongside an IDE, or through its browser-based chat mode.

How to Use Aider

1. Run python -m pip install aider-install, then run aider-install.
2. Open a terminal in the target code repository.
3. Start Aider with the preferred model and required provider credentials.
4. Add the files that should be edited or let the repository map provide broader context.
5. Describe the requested change, then review the edits, tests, and Git commits it produces.

Core Features

• Terminal pair programming: Accepts natural-language coding requests without leaving the command line.
• Repository map: Gives the model structured context about an existing codebase.
• Broad model support: Works with many cloud-hosted and local models.
• Git integration: Tracks edits and can create commits with generated messages.
• Automated quality checks: Runs configured linting and tests and can address resulting errors.
• Rich context: Accepts source files, images, web pages, and voice input for supported workflows.

Use Cases

• Feature implementation: Developers ask Aider to modify several related files in an existing project.
• Bug fixing: The tool edits code, runs tests, and iterates on detected failures.
• Refactoring: Teams apply coordinated changes while preserving Git history.
• Codebase onboarding: A repository map helps the model navigate unfamiliar project structure.
• Local-model coding: Privacy-conscious developers connect a compatible model running locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Aider work with existing repositories?

Yes. It is designed to edit existing codebases and integrates directly with Git.

Can Aider use local models?

Yes. The official site states that it works with cloud and local models.