Aider

Open-source terminal pair programmer that edits files and commits to git

AI Coding & DevelopmentFree planOverseasβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.0

What is Aider?

Aider is an open-source command-line tool for pair programming with a language model inside a git repository. You describe a change in plain language, it edits the relevant files directly, and every successful step is committed with a generated message, so the diff history stays clean and reversible. A repository map gives the model a compact view of a larger codebase, which helps it find the files worth touching. It works with a wide range of models through providers or local runtimes, and it also supports voice input for describing changes out loud.

Last updated: 2026-09-20. This site only provides an index; for exact features, pricing, and licensing, see the official website.

Key features

  • Terminal chat that edits files directly in your local git repository
  • Automatic commits with generated messages after each change
  • Repository map for context across a larger codebase
  • Support for many models via providers, aggregators or local runtimes
  • Voice input for dictating change requests out loud
  • Works alongside your existing editor rather than replacing it

Pros & cons

Strengths

  • Free and open source, with no vendor lock-in on models
  • Git commits make every AI change easy to review or revert
  • The repository map handles medium codebases without manual context

Watch out for

  • A command-line workflow does not suit everyone
  • Quality depends entirely on the model you connect
  • Diff review relies on git and your editor rather than a built-in view

Best for & use cases

terminal workflows, git-centric editing, refactoring, scripted changes

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FAQ

Does Aider send my whole codebase to a model?

No. It builds a repository map, a condensed outline of files and symbols, and adds only the files relevant to the change. That keeps most requests far smaller than the full repository.

Do I need to pay for anything?

The tool itself is free and open source. Model access is the cost: you either connect a provider key, route through an aggregator, or run a local model to avoid per-request charges.

Why does it commit every change?

Commits create a clean audit trail. If an edit is wrong you can revert that specific commit instead of untangling mixed changes, and the history documents what the model actually did.