Aider Guide

Terminal pair programming with repository maps, editable file context and Git integration.

Last verified: 2026-09-22 · How we verify

Coding agentAider contributorsmacOSWindowsLinux

Suitable workflows

Small, reviewable code changes while keeping your own editor and model provider.

Model quality and context limits vary; inspect automatic Git changes and the selected files.

Agent workflowCLI surfaceBring your own keyLocal models

This is an evidence-based shortlist, not an exhaustive feature inventory. Omitted capabilities have not been checked for this record.

See official pricing

Free CLI; model-provider or optional service charges. The cost of metered usage or an external agent can be separate from the subscription.

Use supported hosted APIs or local backends such as Ollama and LM Studio.

Verified families: Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Local.

Python 3.8–3.13 for aider-install; it creates a separate runtime environment.

Installation command · Python / uv

python -m pip install aider-install
aider-install

Open your project folder in a terminal, then run:

aider

Configure the API key for your chosen provider, then select its model when launching aider.

Add only the relevant files to the chat. The repository map supplies broader code context.

Add one source file and its test, request a fix, then inspect the Git diff and run tests.

An open-source coding agent with a terminal UI and configurable model providers.

A minimal terminal coding agent with configurable providers, sessions and extension packages.

Anthropic’s coding agent for terminal and editor workflows.

Open a small, familiar project and confirm that your essential language tooling works.
Give the agent one bounded change with an observable acceptance criterion.
Review the diff, run the project’s checks and compare the result with your current workflow.
Inspect usage after the task. Estimate a month of similar work, including any separate model or agent bill.