Aider AI Coding Assistant

A comprehensive Aider configuration for AI-powered pair programming with multi-model support, prompt caching, and automated workflows.

What This Skill Does

Configures Aider with:

Configuration Details

Model Setup

**Main model** (thinking/reasoning):

```

openrouter/google/gemini-2.0-flash-thinking-exp-1219:free

```

**Weak model** (commit messages, summaries):

```

mistral/ministral-8b-latest

```

**Editor model** (code editing):

```

mistral/codestral-mamba-latest

```

Key Features Enabled

Files and History

Git Integration

Editor Integration

Default editor: `windsurf --wait`

Voice Input

Input device: `MacBook Pro Microphone`

Usage Instructions

Initial Setup

1. Place this configuration as `.aider.conf.yml` in your project root or home directory

2. Ensure you have API keys configured for:

- OpenRouter (for Gemini)

- Mistral AI

3. Create `CONVENTIONS.md` with your coding standards

4. Set up `./config/cz.config.mjs` for commit message formatting

Starting Aider

```bash

Start with default config

aider

Add specific files to edit

aider src/file1.py src/file2.py

Start with read-only context

aider --read CONVENTIONS.md

```

Model Alternatives

The configuration includes commented alternatives for each model type:

**Main model alternatives:**

**Weak model alternatives:**

**Editor model alternatives:**

Optional Features

**Enable linting:**

```yaml

lint: true

auto-lint: true

lint-cmd: pnpm lint

```

**Enable testing:**

```yaml

auto-test: true

test-cmd: pnpm test

```

**Restore chat history:**

```yaml

restore-chat-history: true

```

Voice Commands

With voice input enabled, you can dictate instructions using your MacBook Pro microphone.

File Watching

When `watch-files: true`, Aider monitors files for special AI coding comments and automatically processes them.

Best Practices

1. **Keep CONVENTIONS.md updated** - This provides consistent context to the AI

2. **Use architect mode** for complex multi-file refactorings

3. **Enable caching** to reduce API costs on repetitive tasks

4. **Customize commit prompts** to match your team's standards

5. **Start with read-only files** for important context that shouldn't be modified

6. **Use weak models** for simple tasks to save costs

Important Notes

Troubleshooting

**Model not found:**

Use `aider --list-models <partial-name>` to find available models

**Custom model settings:**

Create `.aider.model.settings.yml` for unknown models

**API key issues:**

Ensure environment variables are set for all providers

**Voice input not working:**

Check microphone name with system audio settings