Aider Configuration

This skill configures Aider with optimized settings for AI-assisted coding, including model selection, UI preferences, file watching, and custom conventions.

What This Skill Does

Sets up an `.aider.conf.yaml` file with:

Instructions

1. **Check for existing configuration**

- Look for `.aider.conf.yaml` in the current directory or `~/.aider.conf.yaml`

- Read the file if it exists to preserve any custom settings

2. **Create or update the Aider configuration file**

- Create `.aider.conf.yaml` in the project root with these settings:

```yaml

# https://aider.chat/docs/config/aider_conf.html

attribute-commit-message-author: true

dark-mode: true

code-theme: solarized-dark

watch-files: true

read: ~/.config/aider/GLOBAL_CONVENTIONS.md

model: sonnet

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

# model: o4-mini # cheaper, below gemini

# model: o3 # expensive, top of leaderboard

notifications-command: say 'it done'

```

3. **Create the global conventions file (if it doesn't exist)**

- Check if `~/.config/aider/GLOBAL_CONVENTIONS.md` exists

- If not, ask the user if they want to create it with default conventions

- Offer to create a basic template with common coding conventions

4. **Verify the configuration**

- Confirm that the file was created successfully

- Inform the user about the key settings:

- Model: Claude Sonnet (can be changed by uncommenting alternatives)

- Dark mode with solarized-dark theme

- File watching enabled for automatic updates

- Audio notifications on completion

- Commit messages will attribute to Aider

Usage Examples

**Basic setup:**

```

User: Set up Aider configuration

Assistant: [Creates .aider.conf.yaml with optimized settings]

```

**With custom model:**

```

User: Configure Aider to use Gemini

Assistant: [Creates config and uncomments gemini model line]

```

**Custom conventions:**

```

User: Set up Aider and add Python conventions

Assistant: [Creates config and GLOBAL_CONVENTIONS.md with Python-specific rules]

```

Important Notes