Aider
Open-source terminal pair programmer that edits git repos with LLMs.
Aider
aider.chatAider is an open-source CLI that pairs you with LLMs to edit code in git repositories. It maps large repos, makes multi-file edits, and commits changes automatically — ideal for developers who want agentic coding without leaving the terminal or paying for a closed IDE.
What Is Aider?
Aider is a terminal-based AI pair programmer that connects to LLMs and edits files in your local git repository. It builds a map of your codebase for context, applies patches, runs tests when asked, and creates git commits so every AI edit is reviewable.
Git-Native Workflow
Unlike IDE plugins, Aider treats git as the source of truth. Changes are committed with descriptive messages, making it easy to audit, revert, or cherry-pick agent work. This appeals to engineers who treat AI output like any other contributor's PR.
Best for
- ·Terminal-first developers who want git-native AI editing
- ·Engineers who bring their own API keys and model preferences
- ·Teams wanting transparent, auditable agent edits via git history
Key features
- ·Git-aware edits with automatic commits and diffs
- ·Works with Claude, GPT-4, DeepSeek, and local models
- ·Repo map for large codebase context
- ·Voice mode and scripting support
- ·100% open source (Apache 2.0)
Pros
- Excellent git integration — every change is a commit you can review or revert
- Model-agnostic with strong support for frontier and local models
- Lightweight CLI with no IDE lock-in
Cons
- No GUI — requires comfort in the terminal
- Less polished onboarding than IDE-native tools like Cursor
- Agent UX is developer-oriented, not beginner-friendly
Comparisons featuring Aider
FAQ
- Does Aider work with local models?
- Yes. Aider supports many providers including Anthropic, OpenAI, and local models via Ollama and similar runtimes, making it popular for privacy-sensitive or cost-conscious workflows.