Aider Configuration

This skill configures Aider, an AI pair programming tool, with optimal settings for development workflows including commit attribution, dark mode theming, file watching, and model selection.

What This Does

Sets up Aider with:

Instructions

When the user asks to configure Aider or set up their `.aider.conf.yml` file:

1. **Read existing configuration** (if any) using the Read tool to check for `/Users/[username]/.aider.conf.yml` or `.aider.conf.yml` in the current directory

2. **Create or update the configuration file** with these settings:

- `attribute-commit-message-author: true` — Attributes commits to AI in commit messages

- `dark-mode: true` — Enables dark mode UI

- `code-theme: solarized-dark` — Sets syntax highlighting theme

- `watch-files: true` — Automatically detects file changes

- `read: ~/.config/aider/GLOBAL_CONVENTIONS.md` — Loads global conventions (create this file if referenced)

- `model: sonnet` — Sets default model (Claude Sonnet)

- `notifications-command: say 'it done'` — Audio notification on completion (macOS)

3. **Provide model alternatives** as comments:

```yaml

# model: gemini/gemini-2.5-pro-preview-05-06

# model: o4-mini # cheaper, below gemini

# model: o3 # expensive, top of leaderboard

```

4. **Create GLOBAL_CONVENTIONS.md** if it doesn't exist at `~/.config/aider/GLOBAL_CONVENTIONS.md`:

- Ask the user what coding conventions they want to enforce globally

- Create the file with their preferences (formatting rules, naming conventions, best practices, etc.)

5. **Verify the setup**:

- Confirm the configuration file location

- Note that the notifications command uses macOS `say` command (suggest alternatives for Linux/Windows if needed)

- Remind the user they can switch models by uncommenting alternatives

Usage Examples

**Example 1: Initial setup**

```

User: "Set up my Aider configuration"

Assistant: Creates ~/.aider.conf.yml with all settings and asks about global conventions

```

**Example 2: Update existing config**

```

User: "Switch my Aider to use Gemini"

Assistant: Edits .aider.conf.yml to uncomment gemini model and comment out sonnet

```

**Example 3: Add custom conventions**

```

User: "Add TypeScript strict mode to my Aider conventions"

Assistant: Updates ~/.config/aider/GLOBAL_CONVENTIONS.md with TypeScript rules

```

Important Notes

Reference

Full Aider configuration documentation: https://aider.chat/docs/config/aider_conf.html