Aider
The original open-source AI pair programmer for the terminal.
Aider (open source) · open source · checked Oct 22, 2026
What it is
Aider pairs with LLMs in your terminal, maps your codebase, and commits changes to git. Works with cloud and local models.
Use cases
- →Git-centric terminal workflows
- →Local/open models
- →Minimalist setups
Pros
- +Lightweight and git-native
- +Works with local models
- +Mature and widely used
Cons
- −Homepage model recommendations look dated
- −Less autonomous than newer agents
Where it ranks
- #7 Best Coding Agents & CLI Agents
Lightweight, git-native terminal pair programmer; works with local models.
FAQ
How much does Aider cost?
Free and open source; you pay your LLM provider. (As checked on 2026-10-22; confirm on https://aider.chat/.)
What is Aider best for?
#7 in Best Coding Agents & CLI Agents: Minimalists and local-model users.
What are the best alternatives to Aider?
OpenCode (Open-source terminal coding agent with free models); Cline (Open-source coding agent for VS Code and CLI); Claude Code (Anthropic's agentic coding tool for terminal, IDE and cloud).
Is Aider open source?
Yes, Aider is open source (or has an open-source core).