Setting Up Zed with AIDR for Enhanced AI Features

Introduction

• Previous overview of Zed's local setup
• Issue with Zed: No support for multi-file editing
• Cursor has this feature (paid and not great)
• Objective: Set up a comparable free/open-source solution using Zed and AIDR

Zed Overview

• Main editor for AI features
• Good for single-file editing and file context conversations
• Local models supported
• Anthropic model recommended (currently free without limits)
• Alternative: Using Ollama models

AIDR Overview

• AIDR enables automated multi-file editing
• Terminal interface can be accessed within Zed's terminal
• Workflow: Zed for simple edits, AIDR for complex multi-file tasks

Installation Steps

1. Install Zed

   • Download from Zed's website
   • Sign in with a Zed account to access Clawed 3.5 Sonnet

2. Set Up AI in Zed

   • Access AI options and select Clawed 3.5 Sonnet
   • Use inline assist for code generation

3. Install AIDR

   • Open terminal in Zed
   • Run command: pip install AIDR chat
   • Export API keys for OpenAI or Anthropic
   • Optionally, set up with Ollama

Using AIDR

• Run AIDR command to start interface

• Example: Create a to-do list application with HTML, CSS, and JS

  • Prompt AIDR for application creation
  • Observe generated files and preview app

• Example: Modify application with Zed

  • Use inline assist to add a heading
  • Approve changes and save

Workflow Integration

• Use AIDR for initial code generation
• Use Zed's AI for simple edits and chat interface to discuss code
• Changes can be finalized in Zed using the inline assist
  • Chat and inline assist share the same context
• Customization and key bindings possible for smoother workflow

Conclusion

• Combination of AIDR and Zed offers powerful features
• AIDR is highly functional, ZED is improving
• Recommended model for local usage: QEN27B
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