Term
Aider
Aider is an open-source AI pair programmer for the command line that edits code directly in the Git repository and commits every change automatically.
Aider — explained in more detail
Aider is an open-source AI assistant that fully commits to the terminal and the Git workflow. Unlike graphical tools, it runs as a CLI command in the project directory and treats every interaction like a pair-programming step.
A tight Git loop
The unusual detail: every AI response that changes code lands as a Git commit immediately. The history stays traceable — git log shows which change came from which prompt — and rewind is built in via git revert or git reset.
Model choice
Aider supports the common commercial models (Claude, GPT, Gemini) as well as local models via Ollama. The right model can be picked per task — for example a strong model for planning and a cheaper one for pure editing.
Audience
Terminal-savvy developers who value rapid iteration with a clear Git history and don’t need a separate editor wrapper. Aider is far less feature-heavy than Cursor or Claude Code, but in return remarkably lean and easy to grasp.