Open-source coding agents: keep execution and review under control
Evidence date: 2026-10-07

Decision criteria
Model endpoint, credentials, permitted commands and current cost.

Editorial evaluation scenario
Fictional task permits editing one parser file and running its existing tests; network access and dependency changes are out of scope.
A narrow parser task should not change dependency files, fetch scripts or unrelated modules. Inspect the diff and execute the relevant checks before expanding the agent’s allowed actions.
Model endpoint, credentials, permitted commands and current cost.

Input / draft / final edit
Fictional task permits editing one parser file and running its existing tests; network access and dependency changes are out of scope.
Reinstall dependencies, fetch external code and rewrite the whole repository.
Change only the named parser and show the diff. Run the existing targeted tests. Ask for an explicit scope change before dependency or network actions.

Before buying
Aider
Documented: Aider publishes setup and usage documentation for its coding workflow.
Check: Model endpoint, credentials, permitted commands and current cost.
Manual or conventional route
Documented: Use direct editing or a deterministic script when the intended change is already precise.
Check: Editorial workflow advice; this is not a measured comparison or vendor performance claim.

Official sources
https://aider.chat/docs/

Record your own test: selected plan, date, input, output, corrections, export and total cost. This sheet does not claim a vendor test.