Problem: I had aider running on Lubuntu, three API keys configured, a detailed architecture diagram, and a clear goal — build a modular forensic data analysis pipeline. What I actually got was token walls, a model that replied "Ok." to everything, and a half-made project directory with nothing inside it.
The Setup
Installed aider via the official shell script on Lubuntu. Connected three models:
OpenAI — failed outright, key didn't authenticate
Grok — worked partially, got some directory scaffolding done before tokens ran out mid-session
