Updated April 29, 2026
Aider is an open-source terminal-based AI pair programming tool that edits code directly in your local git repository. It creates proper git commits, supports all major LLMs, and can work across multiple files simultaneously. Aider is popular with developers who prefer terminal workflows over IDE extensions.
Continue is the leading open-source AI code assistant for VS Code and JetBrains, with autocomplete, chat, edit, and agent capabilities powered by any LLM you choose — Claude, GPT-4, Mistral, or local models via Ollama. Free OSS extension plus a Hub for source-controlled prompts, rules, and CI checks; paid plans from $10/mo.
Core capabilities each platform advertises.
What each tool does well, and the limitations to keep in mind.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Continue.dev isn't the easiest AI coding assistant, and it's not the prettiest, but it's undeniably the most powerful and flexible option available.
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Respan lets you trace LLM and agent calls across any model or framework, A/B test prompts on production traffic, and route requests across 1,000+ models through one gateway.
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