What do you pay for when you use Aider?
This page covers the open-source Aider coding CLI at aider.chat. Pick the model first. For a hosted model, check the provider’s billing for your account. For a local model, check whether your machine can run it and whether the edits are good enough for your repo.
- Start with one small change in a clean Git branch. Review the diff and the provider’s usage before trying a larger refactor.
- Check the model setup guide for the provider or local runner you already use so you can judge the added cost in your setup.
Work on a Git repository from the terminal
Aider pairs a terminal chat with repository edits. Start from a clean branch, name the files relevant to the change, and inspect the diff after asking for one small edit.
Who should start here?
Aider is a starting point if you already work in a Git repository and review changes from a terminal. If you are comparing terminal workflows, try the same file-level edit in OpenCode and check how each presents the diff.
Model and Git setup
Choose a supported model and follow its authentication steps. Review Aider’s Git integration so you know when it commits edits and how to undo changes in your workflow.
A few more details
Do I need a model API key?
Aider’s model documentation describes both local and hosted options. Hosted providers commonly require a key and may charge for usage.