/context

Switches to context mode to see the surrounding code context for a request.

In context mode, Aider shows the surrounding code context for a request. Without an attached prompt, /context only switches to this mode persistently.

✅ WHEN TO USE IT?

Understand the surroundings of a specific function

/context Where else is the retry logic from api_client.py used?

Keep working in context mode persistently

/context (no prompt), so following messages are sent in this mode

⛔ WHEN NOT TO?

Wanting code actually changed

The docs describe context mode as showing code context, not editing.

Better: Use /code or /architect for actual changes

Wanting an overview of the whole repo instead of one spot

/context is focused on the context around one specific request, not a full overview.

Better: Use /map for the complete repository map

SOURCES

Aider Docs — In-chat commands ↗ aider.chat
Aider Docs — Repository map ↗ aider.chat