Both are open-source terminal coding agents. Aider is Python-based with deep git integration; agentty is a native C++26 binary. Here's the honest comparison.
At a glance
| agentty | Aider | |
|---|---|---|
| Language / runtime | C++26 — single static binary | Python (pip / venv) |
| Cold start | ~3 ms | Python startup |
| Providers | Claude, OpenAI, Groq, OpenRouter, Cerebras, Ollama | Many (via LiteLLM) |
| Retrieval | Built-in hybrid BM25 + dense RAG | Repo map |
| Sandbox | On by default (bwrap) | — |
| Editor | Runs in Zed over ACP | — |
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
Where Aider wins
- Mature git workflow. Aider's auto-commit and diff conventions are battle-tested.
- Large community and years of real-world usage.
Where agentty wins
- No Python. A single native binary — nothing to install or keep in sync.
- Millisecond startup and a tiny footprint.
- Sandboxed by default, plus one-command SSH air-gap.
- Built-in retrieval with a learning loop that sharpens over time.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Aider if you want its proven git-commit workflow and community.
- Choose agentty if you want a fast, dependency-free native binary with retrieval and sandboxing built in.
Install in one line
curl -fsSL https://agentty.org/install.sh | sh