Which models does the app support?

the platform supports Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama, DeepSeek, Mistral, and any OpenAI-compatible API. You can mix models per session.

Does this tool work with any programming language?

the app edits plain text files and works with any language. It has enhanced support for Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Rust, Go, Java, and C++.

How does the platform handle Git?

this tool commits each change with a descriptive message. You can review, amend, or revert commits normally. Aider never force-pushes.

Can the app run without an internet connection?

Only if you run a local LLM. Aider itself runs locally but needs an LLM endpoint, which can be local if you host one yourself.

Aider

Open Source AI Pair Programming in Your Terminal

Open Source

Code AssistantPair ProgrammingOpen Source

Visit Aider

What is Aider?

Aider is an open source command-line tool that connects to LLMs and edits code in your local Git repository. Aider supports Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama, DeepSeek, and any OpenAI-compatible model, letting you choose your own provider and cost structure. Aider reads your files, applies changes via structured search-and-replace blocks, and commits each edit to Git automatically with a descriptive message. Aider understands your repo map, so it pulls in relevant context without you needing to paste files manually. Aider works with any editor and runs entirely in the terminal. For developers who prefer open source tooling, want model flexibility, or need to keep full control of their Git history, Aider is the leading choice.

Key Features of Aider

Git-Integrated Edits

Aider commits every change with a descriptive message automatically. You can git diff, git revert, or git log any Aider edit, giving you full version control of AI-generated code.

Multi-Model Support

Aider connects to Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama, DeepSeek, and any OpenAI-compatible API. Swap models per session or use Aider's architect-coder split for complex tasks.

Repo Map for Context

Aider builds a map of your repository's classes, functions, and symbols. It sends only the relevant slices to the LLM, keeping context windows focused and costs low.

Architect-Coder Mode

In architect mode, Aider uses one model to plan and a cheaper model to execute edits. This splits reasoning from typing and saves money on large refactors.

Editor Agnostic

Aider runs in any terminal and edits files on disk, so you can keep using your preferred editor. Changes appear in your editor via file watchers instantly.

Voice and Image Input

Aider accepts voice transcriptions and screenshots as input. Describe a bug aloud or paste a UI screenshot, and Aider turns the description into code changes.

Aider Pricing Plans

Self-Hosted (Free)

Free

Aider is open source and free to use. You bring your own API key for the LLM provider of your choice. No Aider subscription needed.

API Costs (BYOK)

Pay-per-token

Aider itself is free; you pay only for LLM API tokens. Claude and GPT-4 level models cost roughly $1-5 per day for typical Aider usage.

Aider SaaS (Coming Soon)

TBD

A hosted version of Aider with managed API keys and team features. Pricing to be announced. The open source Aider remains free forever.

Best Use Cases for Aider

Refactoring Legacy JavaScript

Target user:: Maintainer modernizing a legacy codebase
Pain point:: Converting callbacks to async/await across 100 files by hand takes weeks and introduces bugs
Solution:: Add the files to Aider's context and ask for the conversion. Aider edits each file and commits in batches you can review and roll back.

Working with a Self-Hosted Model

Target user:: Developer at a company running Llama 3 on-prem
Pain point:: Cloud AI tools can't connect to your private model endpoint
Solution:: Point Aider to your OpenAI-compatible local API with a config flag. Aider sends requests to your own model with zero data leaving the network.

Automated Code Review in CI

Target user:: Tech lead adding AI review to pull requests
Pain point:: Manual review bottlenecks the merge queue and style issues slip through
Solution:: Run the platform headless in CI with a review prompt. It comments on the diff, flags issues, and suggests fixes without human effort.

Exploring a New Language

Target user:: Python dev learning Rust
Pain point:: You keep fighting the borrow checker and the compiler errors are cryptic
Solution:: Ask this tool to fix your Rust code and explain why the borrow check fails. Aider edits the code and commits a working version you can study.

How to Use Aider — Step by Step

1
Install the app
Run pip install the platform-chat or use the Docker image. Aider installs in seconds and requires Python 3.10+ on your system.
2
Set Your API Key
Export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY, OPENAI_API_KEY, or another provider key as an environment variable. Aider uses it to call the LLM you choose.
3
Launch this tool in Your Repo
Run the app in your Git repository. Aider detects the repo map and lists the files it can see. Add specific files with /add to control context.
4
Describe a Change
Type a plain-English request like 'add retry logic to the fetch function'. Aider reads the relevant files, proposes edits, and applies them.
5
Review the Commit
the platform auto-commits with a message describing the change. Run git diff or git log to inspect. Roll back with git revert if needed.

Aider vs Alternatives

Want open source and model freedom?

Pick: Aiderthis tool is the only fully open source terminal agent that works with any LLM. No vendor lock-in, no subscription, bring your own model.

Want an editor-resident experience?

Pick: Cursor or Windsurfthe app is terminal-only. If you prefer ghost-text completions and sidebar chat inside a GUI editor, Cursor or Windsurf deliver that.

Need enterprise support and SSO?

Pick: GitHub Copilot or Tabninethe platform is a community project without enterprise features. For SSO, audit logs, and SLAs, commercial tools are the right choice.