Aider
Terminal pair programmer that edits your repo using your API keys or local models.
Quick facts
- Price model
- BYOK
- Starting price
- Free tool; API costs apply
- Best for
- CLI coding · Repo-wide edits · BYOK development
- Replaces
- GitHub Copilot, Cursor Pro
- Platforms
- MacWindowsLinux
- Last verified
- 2026-06-22
Why it's listed
Serious code changes in terminal workflows without locking into one vendor's IDE subscription.
Aider understands git context and applies patches across files for feature work and fixes. Pay for API tokens you use—not a separate $20/mo coding copilot seat if you already have keys.
The catch
Jump to setup guide ↓Terminal-native; you bring API keys and review every diff carefully.
How to set up Aider
Terminal pair programmer using your API keys or local models—Copilot-style edits without a second IDE subscription.
- Time
- 25–40 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Verified
- 2026-06-22
Before you start
- Python 3.8+ and git installed
- A code project in a git repo
- OpenAI/Anthropic API key OR Ollama with a coder model
Install aider
pip install aider-install && aider-install (or pipx install aider-chat per docs). Verify: aider --version
Pick your model
Cloud: export OPENAI_API_KEY or ANTHROPIC_API_KEY. Local: aider --model ollama_chat/qwen2.5-coder:7b with Ollama running.
Start in a repo
cd your-project && aider. Add files to context with /add src/foo.ts. Ask for a small, reviewable change first.
Review every diff
Aider proposes patches—accept only what you understand. Commit often: git commit after each good change.
Optional — IDE combo
Many devs use aider in terminal + VS Code for viewing. Continue extension (see our Continue guide) covers in-editor chat.
Troubleshooting
- Model ignores context
- /add missing files. Repo map helps on large codebases (/map).
- API costs spike
- Use smaller models for drafts; set provider spending limits.
- Ollama model too weak
- Pull qwen2.5-coder or deepseek-coder tag; cloud for architecture passes only.
Keep it working
- Never commit API keys
- Use .aiderignore for junk directories
- Rotate keys if leaked in chat logs
Official docs: aider.chat/docs/install.html
Good fit for
- Developers comfortable in git
- Neovim/VS Code minimalists
Not ideal for
- Beginners who want a guided GUI only
Alternatives
Continue
Open-source AI code assistant extension for VS Code and JetBrains—BYOK or local.
Replaces: GitHub Copilot, Cursor…
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Replaces: ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro…
Ollama
CLI and API for running open models locally with simple pull-and-run commands.
Replaces: OpenAI API for local tasks, Hosted LLM sandboxes
Jan
Open-source ChatGPT-style app that runs models locally on your device.
Replaces: ChatGPT Plus, Poe subscription