/reset
Removes all files from the chat and also clears the entire chat history.
/reset combines /drop (remove all files from the chat session) and /clear (clear the chat history) into one command. Afterwards the session starts fresh content-wise, but existing git commits and files on disk are untouched.
✅ WHEN TO USE IT?
Start a completely new topic in the same Aider window
/reset to switch to a fully unrelated bugfix in a different part of the codebase after finishing a feature
The chat context has become cluttered/confusing after many iterations
/reset when conflicting earlier instructions are visibly degrading answer quality
⛔ WHEN NOT TO?
Only a few no-longer-needed files should go, but the conversation should stay
/reset also clears the entire chat history, not just the file list.
Better: Use /drop <file> for individual files
The previous conversation contains important context still needed
After /reset Aider no longer knows earlier decisions and rationale from the chat.
Better: Save relevant points with /save before resetting, or manually copy the chat history into notes
SOURCES
- Aider Docs — In-chat Commands ↗ aider.chat