Aider Configuration for NixOS Desktop
A comprehensive Aider configuration optimized for NixOS desktop development workflows, featuring DeepSeek model integration, custom Catppuccin-inspired theming, and automatic project conventions loading.
Features
**DeepSeek Model Integration**: Uses DeepSeek Reasoner for main tasks and DeepSeek Chat for editing**Convention-Aware**: Automatically loads `CONVENTIONS.md` and `AI_RULES.md` from your project**Custom Theme**: Catppuccin Macchiato-inspired color scheme for terminal output**Architecture Mode**: Enables architect mode for high-level design discussions**File Watching**: Automatic detection of file changes during sessions**Vim Keybindings**: Integrated vim mode for terminal input**Helix Editor**: Configured to use Helix (`hx`) as the external editorConfiguration Details
Core Settings
**Auto-commits**: Disabled to give you manual control over git commits**Watch files**: Enabled to track external file changes**Cache prompts**: Enabled for faster model responses**Architect mode**: Enabled for design and planning conversationsTheme Colors
The configuration uses a carefully selected Catppuccin Macchiato-inspired palette:
**User Input**: Green (`#A6DA95`)**Tool Output**: Light blue (`#CAD3F5`)**Assistant Output**: Sky blue (`#8AADF4`)**Errors**: Red (`#ED8796`)**Warnings**: Yellow (`#EED49F`)**Completion Menu**: Cyan text (`#7DC4E4`) on overlay background (`#5B6078`)Model Configuration
**Main Model**: `deepseek/deepseek-reasoner` - For complex reasoning and problem-solving**Editor Model**: `deepseek/deepseek-chat` - For quick edits and refactoringSetup Instructions
1. **Create Configuration File**: Save this configuration as `.aider.conf.yml` in your project root or `~/.aider.conf.yml` for global settings.
2. **Set API Key**: Replace `your_api_key` with your actual DeepSeek API key:
```yaml
api-key:
- deepseek=your_actual_api_key_here
```
3. **Create Convention Files** (optional but recommended):
- `CONVENTIONS.md`: Document your project's coding standards and patterns
- `AI_RULES.md`: Define AI-specific guidelines for code generation
4. **Install Helix Editor** (if not already installed):
```bash
# On NixOS
nix-env -iA nixos.helix
# Or add to configuration.nix
environment.systemPackages = [ pkgs.helix ];
```
Usage
Once configured, simply run:
```bash
aider
```
Aider will automatically:
Load your convention files on startupApply the custom themeEnable vim keybindings in the terminalUse DeepSeek models for all operationsWatch for file changes in real-timeCustomization
Changing Models
To use different models, update the `model` and `editor-model` settings:
```yaml
model: openai/gpt-4-turbo
editor-model: openai/gpt-3.5-turbo
```
Adjusting Colors
Modify any color value using hex codes. The current theme is based on Catppuccin Macchiato, but you can adapt it to any color scheme.
Adding More Read Files
Expand the `read` section to automatically load additional context files:
```yaml
read:
- CONVENTIONS.md
- AI_RULES.md
- ARCHITECTURE.md
- TODO.md
```
Requirements
Aider CLI tool installedDeepSeek API key (or alternative model provider)Helix editor (optional, can be changed to `vim`, `nvim`, or `code`)Project with `CONVENTIONS.md` and `AI_RULES.md` files (optional but recommended)Benefits
**Consistency**: Project conventions are always loaded, ensuring AI suggestions follow your standards**Efficiency**: Cached prompts and file watching reduce friction during development**Visibility**: Custom theme makes different output types easily distinguishable**Flexibility**: Architect mode allows switching between implementation and design discussions