Aider - AI pair programming in your terminal

Aider is an open-source AI-powered pair programming tool designed to enhance the coding experience for developers. It integrates with local Git repositories, enabling users to edit, debug, and enhance their code using large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet. Aider streamlines the development process by providing real-time collaboration, context-aware suggestions, and automatic Git integration.

Aider

What is Aider?

Aider is an innovative AI tool that allows developers to pair program with large language models directly in their terminal. It enhances the coding experience by providing real-time assistance, context-aware suggestions, and seamless Git integration. Aider can help you add new features, fix bugs, refactor code, update documentation, and even generate test cases. Whether you're working on a new project or maintaining an existing codebase, Aider is designed to boost your productivity and simplify complex coding tasks.

Aider Key Features

Aider offers a range of features designed to streamline the coding process. These include the ability to specify files for editing, request code changes, automatically commit changes with descriptive messages, support for multiple programming languages and LLMs, simultaneous editing of multiple files, a repository map for context, image/URL support in the chat, and even voice input for coding requests.

Run Aider with the files you want to edit

Ask for changes

Automatic Git commits

Supports multiple programming languages

Connect to various LLMs

Edit multiple files at once

Repository map

Add images and URLs to the chat

Code with your voice

Aider Use Cases

Adding new features

Fixing bugs

Refactoring code

Updating documentation

Generating test cases

Aider Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Increased coding efficiency and productivity
  • Real-time assistance and suggestions
  • Seamless Git integration
  • Support for multiple programming languages and LLMs
  • Ability to handle complex coding tasks
Cons
  • Potential performance impact in large repositories
  • Currently only works with one repo at a time
  • May require learning curve for some users

Aider FAQs

How can I add ALL the files to the chat?

Adding all files is generally not recommended. Add only necessary files using wildcards or the `/add` command.

Can I use Aider in a large (mono) repo?

Aider can work in large repos, but performance may be impacted. Use `--subtree-only` or a `.aiderignore` file.

Can I use Aider with multiple git repos at once?

Currently, only one repo at a time. Use the `/read` command or repo maps for other repos.

How do I turn on the repository map?

It's usually disabled for weaker models. Use `--map-tokens 1024` to enable it.

How do I include the git history in the context?

Use `/run git diff`. For example, `/run git diff HEAD~1` for the last commit's diff.

Can I edit files myself while Aider is running?

Yes, but avoid editing files Aider is currently processing to prevent conflicts.

What is Aider AI LLC?

Aider AI LLC is the company behind Aider AI. Aider is open source (Apache 2.0 license) on GitHub.

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