Aider Chat vs Ellipsis: Which is better?

Aider is an AI-powered command-line chat tool designed for pair programming with GPT-3.5/GPT-4. It allows developers to edit code stored in their local git repository by seamlessly switching between the aider chat and their own code editor. One notable feature of Aider is its compatibility with pre-existing, larger codebases.To get started with Aider, users can install the tool via pip and set their OpenAI API key. It allows users to request new features, bug fixes, and improvements, as well as make manual edits using their preferred code editor. Aider also has the ability to provide GPT-4 with a comprehensive map of the entire git repository, which greatly aids in understanding and modifying large codebases.Overall, Aider provides a powerful and collaborative environment for developers to work with GPT-3.5/GPT-4 in pair programming scenarios, leveraging AI to enhance code development and streamline version control processes.

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Ellipsis

Ellipsis is an AI-based software development tool that serves as a virtual software engineer. It is designed to augment an engineering team's abilities by reviewing and writing code, answering queries about source code, and even implementing features or fixing bugs. The tool utilises Large Language Models to understand source code and generate code as per user requests. Ellipsis offers capabilities such as automated code reviews, where it leaves insightful summaries and easy-to-accept suggestions, and also converts requirements into working, tested code. It also provides pull requests as a service by automating bug fixes and making simple changes. Another feature is addressing pull request comments by interpreting them and writing corresponding, tested and working code. The tool puts a strong emphasis on security, stating that it does not store, train on, or commit to one's source code without explicit permission from the user. It supports a variety of languages, frameworks, and libraries, and is compatible with GitHub.

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Key features

Aider Chat

AI Pair Programming: Aider enables users to pair program with large language models (LLMs) directly in their terminal, facilitating project initiation and codebase enhancement.
Cloud and Local LLM Support: The application connects to various LLMs, including Claude, OpenAI, and local models, optimizing performance based on the selected model.
Codebase Mapping: Aider creates a comprehensive map of the entire codebase, enhancing its functionality in larger projects by providing context to the LLM.
Multi-Language Support: The application supports over 100 programming languages, allowing it to work with popular languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby, among others.
Git Integration: Aider automatically commits changes with sensible messages, allowing users to manage and revert AI modifications easily using familiar git commands.

Ellipsis

Fully configurable cloud environments for running Claude Code and Codex without infrastructure concerns.
Programmatic management of sessions, agents, and automations with full observability and control.
Support for defining and deploying agents through YAML configurations and API calls.
Real-time session monitoring with access to logs, costs, and activity tracking.
Built-in security features including scoped credentials, zero source retention, and full audit trails.

Useful for

Aider Chat

Aider enables AI pair programming directly in the terminal, facilitating collaboration with LLMs to start new projects or enhance existing codebases.
It automatically maps the entire codebase, providing context for larger projects and improving the accuracy of AI-generated code edits.
Aider supports over 100 programming languages, making it versatile for various coding environments and projects.
The application integrates seamlessly with Git, allowing for automatic commits with sensible messages, easy management of changes, and the ability to undo AI modifications.
Aider allows users to add images and web pages to the chat, enhancing the context for coding tasks and enabling more informed AI interactions.

Ellipsis

Run code and manage cloud agents in fully configurable environments without infrastructure concerns.
Automate workflows and tasks using scheduled sessions or event-driven triggers.
Monitor and observe live sessions, including detailed logs and cost tracking.
Define and deploy agents through YAML configurations and API calls for various use cases.
Ensure security and governance with scoped permissions, data longevity control, and full audit trails.

Use cases

Aider Chat

AI Pair Programming: Aider allows users to pair program with AI models directly in their terminal, facilitating the initiation of new projects or enhancements to existing codebases.
Codebase Mapping: Aider creates a comprehensive map of the entire codebase, which aids in understanding and managing larger projects effectively.
Multi-Language Support: The application supports over 100 programming languages, enabling users to work with various coding environments seamlessly.
Git Integration: Aider automatically commits changes with sensible messages, allowing users to manage and review AI-generated modifications using familiar git tools.
Voice-to-Code Functionality: Users can interact with Aider using voice commands to request new features, test cases, or bug fixes, enhancing the coding experience.

Ellipsis

Run Claude Code and Codex in fully configurable cloud environments without infrastructure concerns.
Start and manage automation sessions programmatically, handling cloud environments and permissions.
Observe and track agent activities in real-time, including logs and cost management.
Define and deploy agents using YAML configurations, enabling automation through API calls or scheduled events.
Conduct custom code reviews with automated feedback directly on GitHub, focusing on correctness and visual regressions.

Price

Aider Chat

Aider offers free access to various models through OpenRouter, with limitations on daily usage.
The application supports multiple models, including Gemini 2.5 Pro, DeepSeek R1 and V3, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and OpenAI o3, o4-mini, and GPT-4.1.
Users can connect to local models, such as those provided by Ollama, which offer an OpenAI compatible API.
Aider's pricing structure includes free models and potentially paid options for more advanced capabilities.
Specific pricing details for paid models or tiers are not provided in the text.

Ellipsis

Free for individuals with a ChatGPT or Claude subscription.
Enterprise pricing available for larger teams and organizations.
Users can define spending limits for their sessions and automations.
Managed cloud environments handle permissions and budgets.
Full observability and logging of agent actions for security and governance.