Aider Configuration Template

A professionally configured Aider setup optimized for AI pair programming with modern color theming and workflow best practices.

What This Skill Does

Provides a complete `.aider.conf.yaml` configuration file featuring:

Instructions

When the user requests an Aider configuration file or asks to set up Aider:

1. **Create the configuration file** at `.aider.conf.yaml` in the user's home directory or project root (ask user for preference if unclear)

2. **Use this exact configuration**:

```yaml

model: openai/gpt-4o

weak-model: openai/gpt-4o-mini

show-model-warnings: false

Stream model output token-by-token

stream: true

Enable pretty printed chat

pretty: true

Show file diffs inline after edits

show-diffs: true

Don't auto-commit changes, just stage them

auto-commits: false

Catppuccin Mocha color scheme

user-input-color: "#cdd6f4"

tool-output-color: "#89b4fa"

tool-error-color: "#f38ba8"

tool-warning-color: "#fab387"

assistant-output-color: "#a6e3a1"

completion-menu-color: "#f5e0dc"

completion-menu-bg-color: "#45475a"

completion-menu-current-color: "#45475a"

completion-menu-current-bg-color: "#f5e0dc"

```

3. **Explain the key settings**:

- **Models**: Uses GPT-4o for main work, GPT-4o-mini for simpler tasks (cost optimization)

- **Workflow**: Changes are staged but not auto-committed, giving you control over commit messages

- **UI**: Streaming provides real-time feedback; diffs show exactly what changed

- **Theme**: Catppuccin Mocha provides pleasant contrast and readability

4. **Optional customizations** (offer if user asks):

- Uncomment and modify `system-message` to customize AI behavior

- Switch to local models (e.g., Ollama) by uncommenting alternative model lines

- Adjust colors by referencing the Catppuccin Mocha palette (provided as comments)

5. **Verify setup**:

- Confirm file location is correct for the user's system

- Remind user to ensure `OPENAI_API_KEY` is set in their environment

- Suggest running `aider --help` to verify installation

Example Usage

**User**: "Set up Aider for me with a good default configuration"

**Response**:

1. Create `.aider.conf.yaml` in the user's home directory

2. Apply the configuration above

3. Explain: "This configures Aider with GPT-4o, enables streaming output, shows diffs after edits, and uses manual commits. The Catppuccin Mocha theme provides a cohesive dark mode experience. Make sure your `OPENAI_API_KEY` environment variable is set."

**User**: "I want to use local models instead"

**Response**:

1. Update the configuration to use Ollama or other local provider

2. Comment out OpenAI models, uncomment local model line

3. Provide setup instructions for the chosen local model

Important Notes