Aider Configuration

This skill helps you configure Aider, an AI pair programming tool, with the right model backend, API settings, and project conventions.

What This Does

Sets up Aider configuration in `.aider.conf.yaml` with:

Instructions

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

1. **Check for existing configuration**

- Read `.aider.conf.yaml` in the project root if it exists

- Note any existing settings to preserve user preferences

2. **Determine model backend preference**

- Ask which backend they want to use if not specified:

- Ollama (local models like mistral-nemo)

- GitHub Copilot (via localhost proxy)

- Claude (Anthropic API)

- OpenAI (direct API)

3. **Configure based on backend choice**

**For Ollama:**

```yaml

dark-mode: true

model: ollama/mistral-nemo

```

**For GitHub Copilot:**

```yaml

dark-mode: true

openai-api-key: dummy_key

4: true

openai-api-base: http://localhost:51234/v1

```

**For Claude:**

```yaml

dark-mode: true

sonnet: true

```

**For OpenAI:**

```yaml

dark-mode: true

4: true

```

4. **Add convention files**

- Check if `CONVENTIONS.md` or similar files exist

- Add `read: CONVENTIONS.md` to automatically load conventions

- Can add multiple files: `read: [CONVENTIONS.md, STYLE_GUIDE.md]`

5. **Write configuration**

- Create or update `.aider.conf.yaml` in project root

- Preserve any existing settings not being modified

- Confirm configuration was written successfully

6. **Provide usage guidance**

- Remind user to set API keys in environment variables if needed

- For Copilot: ensure Copilot proxy is running on port 51234

- For Ollama: ensure Ollama is running with the specified model

Common Options

Example

User: "Set up Aider to use GitHub Copilot"

Response:

1. Check for existing `.aider.conf.yaml`

2. Create configuration with Copilot settings

3. Confirm: "Aider configured for GitHub Copilot via localhost:51234. Make sure your Copilot proxy is running."

Notes