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Command reference · Aider

Ask Mode

Discussion mode: Aider discusses the code and answers questions, but never changes files.

In ask mode, Aider answers questions about the codebase and discusses approaches, but makes no file changes. Recommended workflow: discuss options in /ask first and agree on a plan, then trigger the actual implementation with /code (often a short 'go ahead' is enough). Switch permanently with /chat-mode ask or /ask (no prompt), or for a single message with /ask <question>. Startup flag: --chat-mode ask.

✅ WHEN TO USE IT?

Understand how part of the codebase works before changing anything

/ask How is authentication structured in this project?

Weigh multiple solution options before touching files

/ask What would be two sensible approaches to add rate limiting? — then have the chosen approach implemented with /code

⛔ WHEN NOT TO?

The plan is already set, it should be implemented directly

In ask mode Aider never changes files as a matter of principle, even if the request sounds like an implementation order.

Better: Use /code, or switch to code mode

You want Aider to explain its own usage/configuration, not the project

/ask refers to the loaded project codebase, not to Aider itself.

Better: Use /help for questions about Aider's usage, configuration, and troubleshooting

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