How to Use Aider
A beginner-friendly guide to getting started with Aider in 2026.
Getting Started: Step by Step
Create your Aider account
Visit Aider's website and sign up for a free account. You'll need an email address to get started.
Set up your workspace
Once signed in, configure your Aider workspace. Set your preferences, invite team members if needed, and customize the interface to match your workflow.
Explore multi-file-editing
One of Aider's key features is multi-file-editing. Navigate to this feature and experiment with it to understand how it fits into your workflow.
Explore git-integration
One of Aider's key features is git-integration. Navigate to this feature and experiment with it to understand how it fits into your workflow.
Explore voice-mode
One of Aider's key features is voice-mode. Navigate to this feature and experiment with it to understand how it fits into your workflow.
Integrate with your existing tools
Connect Aider with the other tools you use daily. Most integrations can be set up in the settings or integrations panel.
Start using it for real work
Now that you're set up, start using Aider for actual tasks. The best way to learn is by doing — don't worry about getting everything perfect right away.
Pro Tips
- Start with the free plan or trial to explore Aider's capabilities before committing to a paid subscription.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow — most tools have extensive shortcut systems.
- Check Aider's official documentation and community forums for advanced tips and best practices.
- Review your workflow after 2 weeks of use and adjust your setup based on what's working and what isn't.
Key Features to Explore
Alternatives to Consider
If Aider isn't the right fit, here are some similar tools:
Ready to Try Aider?
Open-source AI pair programming tool that works in your terminal, editing code in your local git repo using Claude, GPT-4, and other LLMs with automatic commits.