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Quick Start

This guide takes you from an empty workspace to your first accepted code change.

1. Open Your First Project​

  • If no projects are open, click Open Project
  • Otherwise click the + button in the tab bar
  • Select your project directory — AiderDesk indexes it automatically

2. Pick a Model​

Open the Model Selector in the prompt field area and choose the model for this task. You can change it at any time, even mid-conversation.

Model selector

3. Send Your First Prompt​

Type what you want in the prompt field, for example:

  • "Add error handling to the main() function"
  • "Explain how this authentication module works"
  • "Refactor this component to TypeScript"

By default, each task runs in Agent Mode: the AI plans the work, uses tools, and shows you exactly what it is doing. Press Enter or click Send.

4. Review the Changes​

Proposed edits appear as diffs in the chat — inspect them line by line, then accept or reject:

Code diff review

Use the checkmark to accept changes (saved to disk) or the X to reject them. See Reviewing Changes for diff modes and approval gates.

5. Iterate​

Keep refining in the same task, or use /handoff to spin the next step off into a fresh, focused task.

Tips​

  • Add relevant files via the context panel, or let the IDE connector sync them automatically
  • Check the Built-in Commands — /compact, /commit, /test and more are one keystroke away