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Coding Tools
Aider
Definition
Aider is an open-source, terminal-based AI pair programming tool that can edit code in your local git repository using natural language commands and automatic commits.
Why It Matters
Aider offers a lightweight, terminal-native approach to AI-assisted coding. It works directly with your git repo, making atomic commits for each change, and supports multiple LLM providers. For developers who prefer terminal workflows or need flexibility in their AI backend, Aider is a powerful open-source option.
Key Features
- Terminal Native: Works entirely in the command line
- Git Integration: Automatic commits with meaningful messages
- Multi-File Editing: Can modify multiple files per request
- Model Agnostic: Works with OpenAI, Anthropic, local models
- Open Source: Free to use and customize
- Voice Mode: Speak commands instead of typing
When to Choose
Choose Aider if: you prefer terminal-based workflows, you want an open-source solution, you need to use specific AI models (including local), you value git integration for every change, or you want to customize and extend your AI coding tool.