# Aider

> AI pair programming tool

**Wikidata**: [Q134347797](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134347797)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aider

## Summary
Aider is an AI pair programming tool and free software designed to assist developers in writing and modifying code. Developed by Paul Gauthier, the tool is built using the Python programming language and is distributed under the Apache Software License 2.0.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** AI pair programming tool and free software.
- **Creator:** Paul Gauthier, the founding CTO of Inktomi.
- **Programming Language:** Python.
- **License:** Apache Software License 2.0.
- **Initial Stable Release:** Version 0.5.0, released on June 7, 2023.
- **Repository:** Source code is hosted on GitHub at Aider-AI/aider.
- **Ecosystem Integration:** Supports GNU Emacs through the Aidermacs project.
- **Nixpkgs Identifier:** aider-chat.

## FAQs
### Q: Who is the developer of Aider?
A: Aider was created by Paul Gauthier, an entrepreneur, investor, and adviser who previously served as the founding CTO of Inktomi.

### Q: What license does Aider use?
A: Aider is distributed under the Apache Software License 2.0, which allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software.

### Q: Can Aider be used with the Emacs text editor?
A: Yes, Aider can be integrated with GNU Emacs using a specific tool called Aidermacs, which enables AI pair programming within that environment.

## Why It Matters
Aider represents a significant advancement in the integration of artificial intelligence into the software development lifecycle. By functioning as an AI pair programmer, it aims to simplify everyday coding tasks and improve developer productivity. Its foundation in Python—a widely used general-purpose language—and its distribution as free software under the Apache 2.0 license make it both accessible and extensible for the global programming community.

The project is notable for its rapid development trajectory, as evidenced by the frequent release of stable versions shortly after its inception. The involvement of Paul Gauthier, a seasoned technical leader and entrepreneur, provides the project with a high level of professional credibility. Furthermore, the existence of specialized integrations like Aidermacs demonstrates the tool's versatility across different development environments, specifically catering to users of GNU Emacs. In an era where AI-assisted development is becoming standard, Aider provides an open-source alternative that emphasizes user freedom and collaborative improvement.

## Notable For
- **Rapid Iteration:** Released ten stable versions (from 0.5.0 to 0.9.0) within a six-week period between June and July 2023.
- **High-Profile Leadership:** Developed by Paul Gauthier, a founding figure of the technology company Inktomi.
- **Emacs Compatibility:** Features a dedicated integration path for GNU Emacs via the Aidermacs project.
- **Open Distribution:** Classified as free software, ensuring the code remains available for public study and modification.

## Body
### Development and Ownership
Aider was created by Paul Gauthier, a technology entrepreneur and investor. Gauthier is recognized for his role as the founding CTO of Inktomi. While the software is copyrighted, it is released under the Apache Software License 2.0, which permits users to freely run, study, and distribute modified versions of the tool.

### Technical Specifications
The tool is written in Python, a general-purpose programming language that has been active since February 1991. Aider is officially tracked in the Nixpkgs repository under the attribute `aider-chat`. Its primary source of truth and development is its GitHub repository, and it maintains an official blog for updates and documentation.

### Version History
Aider saw a concentrated period of development in mid-2023, with several stable versions released in quick succession:
*   **v0.5.0**: The earliest documented stable release on June 7, 2023.
*   **v0.6.2**: Released on June 17, 2023.
*   **v0.7.0 - v0.7.2**: A series of updates released between June 25 and June 26, 2023.
*   **v0.8.0 - v0.8.3**: Four stable iterations released between July 6 and July 12, 2023.
*   **v0.9.0**: Released on July 16, 2023.

### Integrations
Aider is designed to work within various developer workflows. A notable implementation is **Aidermacs**, which specifically facilitates AI pair programming for users of the GNU Emacs platform. This integration allows the core functionality of Aider to be utilized directly within the Emacs editor.

## References

1. [Release 0.5.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.5.0)
2. [Release 0.6.2. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.6.2)
3. [Release 0.7.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.7.0)
4. [Release 0.7.1. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.7.1)
5. [Release 0.7.2. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.7.2)
6. [Release 0.8.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.8.0)
7. [Release 0.8.1. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.8.1)
8. [Release 0.8.2. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.8.2)
9. [Release 0.8.3. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.8.3)
10. [Release 0.9.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.9.0)
11. [Release 0.10.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.10.0)
12. [Release 0.10.1. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.10.1)
13. [Release 0.11.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.11.0)
14. [Release 0.11.1. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.11.1)
15. [Release 0.12.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.12.0)
16. [Release 0.13.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.13.0)
17. [Release 0.14.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.14.0)
18. [Release 0.14.1. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.14.1)
19. [Release 0.14.2. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.14.2)
20. [Release 0.15.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.15.0)
21. [Release 0.16.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.16.0)
22. [Release 0.16.1. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.16.1)
23. [Release 0.17.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.17.0)
24. [Release 0.18.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.18.0)
25. [Release 0.18.1. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.18.1)
26. [Release 0.19.0. 2023](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.19.0)
27. [Release 0.20.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.20.0)
28. [Release 0.21.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.21.0)
29. [Release 0.22.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.22.0)
30. [Release 0.23.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.23.0)
31. [Release 0.24.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.24.0)
32. [Release 0.25.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.25.0)
33. [Release 0.26.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.26.0)
34. [Release 0.27.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.27.0)
35. [Release 0.28.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.28.0)
36. [Release 0.29.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.29.0)
37. [Release 0.30.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.30.0)
38. [Release 0.31.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.31.0)
39. [Release 0.32.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.32.0)
40. [Release 0.33.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.33.0)
41. [Release 0.34.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.34.0)
42. [Release 0.35.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.35.0)
43. [Release 0.36.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.36.0)
44. [Release 0.37.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.37.0)
45. [Release 0.38.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.38.0)
46. [Release 0.39.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.39.0)
47. [Release 0.40.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.40.0)
48. [Release 0.41.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.41.0)
49. [Release 0.42.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.42.0)
50. [Release 0.43.0. 2024](https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider/releases/tag/v0.43.0)