DEV·15 · Coding & App Builders

Aider

An open-source command-line tool that edits code in your local git repository with AI, committing each change automatically.

PricingFree

CategoryCoding & App Builders

Last checkedNov 2026

What is Aider?

Aider is a terminal tool that lets you chat with an AI model to edit code in your repository. It maps your codebase, makes changes across files and commits them to git with sensible messages.

It works with many cloud and local models. Because every change is a commit, it is easy to review and undo.

Key features

Repo mapUnderstands your codebase structure.

Multi-file editsChanges across several files.

Git commitsEvery change committed automatically.

Many modelsCloud and local options.

How to get started

Install Aider with pip.
Run it in a git repository with an API key.
Ask for a small change and review the commit.

Our take

A favourite of developers who live in the terminal.

Best for

Terminal-first developers
Git-based workflows
Using various models

Strengths

Free and open source
Clean git commits for every change

Limits

Command line only
Model costs are separate

Visit Aider ↗

Questions

Is Aider free?

Yes. Aider is free to use.

What is Aider best for?

Aider is best for: Terminal-first developers, Git-based workflows, and Using various models.

What are the best alternatives to Aider?

Popular alternatives in Coding & App Builders include GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Replit, Lovable, and Bolt.new.

Pricing and features change often. Confirm details on the official Aider website.