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Agent Mode

Agent Mode is the default way of working in AiderDesk. Every new task runs with the agent out of the box — it plans, uses tools, and executes work autonomously while you stay in control through approval gates. Classic aider modes (/code, /ask, /architect) remain one click away in the mode selector whenever you want them.

Powered by the Vercel AI SDK, the agent can handle complex software engineering tasks end to end.

Key Capabilities​

  • Autonomous Task Execution: The agent breaks a high-level request (e.g. "refactor the authentication logic") into concrete steps and works through them.
  • Tool Utilization: Built-in Power Tools for file system operations, Aider Tools for code manipulation, external tools via MCP Servers, plus task tools that let it organize work into tasks and subtasks.
  • Extensible to Any Workflow: Extensions can add custom tools, commands, modes, agent profiles, and UI — or just ask the agent (it ships with an Extension Creator skill).
  • Configurable Profiles: Tailor behavior, permissions, and model settings per workflow with Agent Profiles and Subagents.
  • Transparent Operation: Watch the agent's reasoning, tool calls, and results directly in the chat.
  • Self-Managing Context: With smart auto-compaction, long-running agents keep their own context healthy.

Autonomy Modes​

The Autonomy Selector in the prompt field controls how much freedom the agent has:

Autonomy selector in the prompt bar

Manual​

Every tool execution and plan requires your explicit approval before proceeding.

Best for: Unfamiliar codebases, risky operations, or full oversight of every step.

Guided (default)​

The agent plans first and presents its plan for approval; executions within the approved plan are auto-approved.

Best for: Everyday development — you steer direction while the agent handles the details.

Autonomous​

The agent plans and executes without interruption until the task completes.

Best for: Trusted, well-understood tasks where you want to step away.

Locking the Autonomy Mode​

New tasks start in Guided mode by default. Clicking the lock icon next to the selector saves its locked/unlocked state as a project-level setting.

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