What is Aider?
Aider is a command-line tool that lets you pair program with LLMs to edit code in your local git repository. It builds a map of your repo, commits changes automatically and works with most major models.
Best for: Terminal power users, Open-source developers.
Key features
- Repo map
- Automatic git commits
- Multi-model support
- Voice coding
- Lint and test integration
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and lightweight
- Clean git-based workflow
- Strong benchmark results
Cons
- Terminal-only interface
- Requires your own API keys
Aider pricing
| Pricing model | Open source |
|---|---|
| Starting price | Free |
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Launched | 2023 |
Prices change often. Check the Aider website for current plans.
Our verdict
Aider scores 8.2/10 in our review. Its biggest strength: free and lightweight. The main drawback: terminal-only interface. If it isn't the right fit, ChatGPT is the closest alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aider?
Aider is a command-line tool that lets you pair program with LLMs to edit code in your local git repository. It builds a map of your repo, commits changes automatically and works with most major models.
Is Aider free?
Yes. Aider is open source and free to use.
What are the best Aider alternatives?
Popular alternatives include ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code.
Who is Aider best for?
Aider is best for terminal power users, open-source developers.