AI Code Assistant

Aider

Aider is a terminal-based AI pair programming tool that helps you build and edit code with LLMs.

What is Aider?

Aider is a terminal-based AI pair programming tool for working with large language models on new projects or existing codebases. It supports code editing, git-based workflows, and integration with many popular programming languages and model providers.

Aider vs Similar AI Tools

Pricing ModelFreeFree, Freemium, PaidFreeFree, Paid
Free Credits
Key Features
  • Terminal-based AI pair programming
  • Works with cloud and local LLMs
  • Codebase mapping for large projects
  • Local-first: runs on 127.0.0.1, code never leaves your machine
  • Typing every line yourself, not autocomplete
  • Socratic tutor that reviews and explains each line
  • Policy-based command gating (allow/ask/deny) with first-match-wins rules
  • Blast radius preview for git, PostgreSQL, Terraform, and file operations
  • Automatic backups before destructive operations (git ref pinning, pg_dump, rm insurance)
  • Visual Miller-column workbench for inspecting tool calls, item properties, and thread structure
  • Tree-based conversation with branching sub-threads, not a linear chat
  • Extensible plugin system for context items, slash commands, and LLM strategies
Pros
  • Terminal-first workflow for developers
  • Works with many LLM providers and local models
  • Local-first: code stays on your machine
  • Hands-on: you type every line, reinforcing learning
  • Provides command previews before execution
  • Automatic backups for destructive operations
  • Visual, inspectable interface for AI coding sessions
  • Tree-based conversations enable nonlinear exploration
Cons
  • Requires your own LLM/API access for most setups
  • Best suited for developers comfortable in the terminal
  • Early beta, still improving
  • Limited to certain AI models (Anthropic primarily)
  • Hooks are cooperative, not enforced (agent can bypass)
  • Native agent tools (e.g., file editing) are not gated
  • Learning curve for users accustomed to linear chat interfaces
  • Headless server setup may be complex for non-technical users
Best For
  • Developers who work in the terminal
  • Teams using git-based workflows
  • Engineering teams standardizing onboarding
  • Junior developers building deep code understanding
  • Developers using AI coding agents like Claude Code or Cursor
  • Teams needing visibility and control over agent-issued shell commands
  • Developers who want fine-grained control over AI code generation and edits
  • Teams needing real-time collaborative coding sessions

How to use Aider?

  1. 1Install Aider with the provided setup command.
  2. 2Open your project directory in the terminal.
  3. 3Start Aider with your chosen model and API key.
  4. 4Describe the change you want in plain language.
  5. 5Review the proposed edits and commits.
  6. 6Use git to inspect, manage, or undo changes as needed.

Aider Key Features

  • Terminal-based AI pair programming
  • Works with cloud and local LLMs
  • Codebase mapping for large projects
  • Supports 100+ programming languages
  • Git integration with automatic commits
  • IDE/editor usage support
  • Can use images and web pages as context
  • Voice-to-code support
  • Automatic linting and testing
  • Copy/paste workflow for web chat models

Aider Use Cases

  • Adding new features to an existing codebase
  • Fixing bugs with AI assistance
  • Refactoring code across a project
  • Generating tests and lint fixes
  • Working with AI in a terminal-first workflow
  • Collaborating with LLMs inside an IDE

Aider Pricing & Free Credits

Aider currently operates on a Free model.

This tool is completely free to use

Open source

Free

The product is available as a free open-source tool; model usage may require your own provider account.

Aider Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Terminal-first workflow for developers
  • Works with many LLM providers and local models
  • Git-aware edits and commits
  • Useful for large codebases
  • Supports many languages and tools

Cons

  • Requires your own LLM/API access for most setups
  • Best suited for developers comfortable in the terminal
  • Effectiveness depends on the model you connect

What is Aider best for?

  • Developers who work in the terminal
  • Teams using git-based workflows
  • Open-source contributors
  • Engineers refactoring large codebases
  • Users who want AI help inside existing projects

Aider FAQ

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