Aider
Open-source terminal-native AI pair-programmer that edits files in a git repo through diff-formatted edits, auto-commits each change, and works with almost any LLM provider.
Description
Aider runs in the terminal, takes natural-language requests, and applies them as diffs to files in your git repo. Every edit is auto-committed with a descriptive message so you can review via standard git tools and use /undo to roll back. A concise repo map of classes/functions is sent with each request so the model has whole-codebase awareness. Aider supports cloud and local models, prompt caching on supported providers, voice input, image input, automatic lint+test loops, and an 'architect' mode that splits planning from editing across two models.
Solution
Single-agent loop built around git as substrate. User types a request → Aider consults the repo-map → selects an edit format (whole-file, diff, udiff, search-replace) appropriate to the model → emits edits → applies them to files → optionally runs --lint-cmd and --test-cmd → tries to fix any non-zero exit → commits to git. /undo rewinds the last commit. Architect mode runs a planning model first, then hands the proposal to a faster editor model.
Primary use cases
- terminal-native AI pair-programming in a git repo
- diff-formatted edits with auto-commit and /undo
- architect+editor multi-model splits
- auto-lint and auto-test feedback loops
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