Master Aider with our step-by-step tutorial, detailed feature walkthrough, and expert tips.
Explore the key features that make Aider powerful for coding agents workflows.
Aider builds an internal map of your entire codebase, including file structure, imports, function signatures, and class hierarchies. This map lets it make changes that respect existing patterns and correctly update references across files.
Refactoring a Python package where renaming a class requires updating imports in 15 files and test references in 8 more
Every AI-assisted change gets its own git commit with a descriptive message. You can review each change independently, revert specific AI edits without losing manual work, and maintain a readable project history.
A team lead reviewing a junior developer's AI-assisted work by reading commit messages and diffs rather than watching over their shoulder
Switch between cloud models (Claude 3.7 Sonnet, GPT-4o, DeepSeek R1) and local models (via Ollama, LM Studio) within the same session. Use powerful cloud models for complex refactoring and local models for routine edits or privacy-sensitive code.
A contractor working on client code who uses a local Llama model for NDA-protected repositories but switches to Claude for personal projects
A planning mode where Aider proposes a multi-step implementation plan before writing code. You review and approve the approach, then Aider executes the changes. Reduces the risk of AI going in the wrong direction on complex features.
Adding a new API endpoint that requires database migrations, route handlers, validation, and tests across 6+ files
Aider itself is free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license. However, you need an LLM to power it. Cloud models like Claude 3.7 Sonnet or GPT-4o charge per token (typically $3-15 per million tokens). If you use local models through Ollama or LM Studio, the entire stack is free. A typical coding session with cloud models costs $0.50-5.00 depending on codebase size and request complexity.
Cursor ($20/month) and Copilot ($10-19/month) are IDE-based tools that offer inline suggestions and chat within the editor. Aider is free, terminal-based, and edits files directly with auto-commits. Aider gives you more model flexibility and works in any environment, but lacks the visual polish of IDE-integrated tools. If you live in VS Code, Cursor is more convenient. If you live in the terminal or want to avoid subscription fees, Aider is the better pick.
Claude 3.7 Sonnet is the top performer for complex multi-file edits and refactoring. GPT-4o is a close second and cheaper for simpler tasks. DeepSeek R1 excels at reasoning-heavy problems like algorithm design. For local models, Qwen 2.5 Coder 32B via Ollama provides decent quality for routine work at zero cost.
Yes. Aider runs locally on your machine and only sends code context to whatever LLM you configure. For complete privacy, use a local model through Ollama or LM Studio. No code leaves your machine. For cloud models, only the files you explicitly add to the chat are sent to the API.
Now that you know how to use Aider, it's time to put this knowledge into practice.
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Tutorial updated March 2026