Aider Composer is a VSCode extension that integrates the Aider AI coding assistant into the IDE, offering a seamless development workflow for AI-assisted coding. It targets developers looking to leverage LLMs for code generation, modification, and review directly within their VSCode environment, aiming to boost productivity by streamlining AI interactions.

How It Works

The extension acts as a bridge between VSCode and Aider's Python backend, which utilizes Flask for its server component. It supports various Aider chat modes (ask, diff, udiff, whole) and introduces an "architect" mode that separates high-level problem-solving descriptions from direct code modifications. This separation aims to improve clarity and control over AI-driven code changes.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Install: pip install aider-chat flask within a Python virtual environment.
• Prerequisites: Python installation, VSCode.
• Configuration: Set aider-composer.pythonPath in VSCode settings to the Python executable's directory within your virtual environment.
• Docs: Aider Documentation

Highlighted Details

• Supports VSCode Remote Architect Mode.
• Offers multiple chat modes including ask, diff, diff-fenced, udiff, and whole.
• Provides inline diff preview and diff editor for code review.
• Allows adding code snippets via keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+K).
• Supports multiple LLM models and HTTP proxy.

Maintenance & Community

The project is maintained by lee88688. Further community engagement details are not explicitly provided in the README.

Licensing & Compatibility

The README does not specify a license. Compatibility for commercial use or closed-source linking is not detailed.

Limitations & Caveats

The extension does not support multiple workspaces, Git repository features, linting, testing, or voice features. In-chat commands are also not usable, and configuration options are limited. Architect mode's editor view is not displayed within the chat area.