promptgarten 🌱
🌍 ES

Command reference · Aider

Code Mode

Default mode: Aider directly changes files to carry out the request.

In code mode (the default at startup), Aider makes direct changes to project files to carry out the request — the classic 'just do it' mode. Switch permanently with /chat-mode code or /code (no prompt), or for a single message with /code <request> regardless of the currently active mode. At startup, the mode can be forced with --chat-mode code (though it's the default anyway).

✅ WHEN TO USE IT?

The desired solution approach is already clear

/code Add rate-limit middleware to the Express route /api/login

Quickly push through a series of small, clearly scoped changes

Stay in code mode for a series of small bugfixes, without switching modes every time

⛔ WHEN NOT TO?

First just discuss options and trade-offs before changing anything

In code mode, Aider treats requests as an order to change files immediately, not as an open discussion.

Better: Use /ask to discuss first, then implement with /code

A weaker model needs to both propose AND implement complex changes in one step

Some models are good at proposing but weaker at precisely editing files in a single request.

Better: Use architect mode, which splits planning and file edits across two models

SOURCES