Aider vs. Claude Code: Which Agent Hallucinates Fewer Imports?

Managing complex TypeScript monorepos requires an agent that understands the intricate mapping between package boundaries and file paths. When comparing Aider vs. Claude Code, developers often find that the biggest bottleneck is not writing the logic itself, but whether the agent can correctly reference existing modules without inventing non-existent paths. Import hallucinations occur when an AI assumes a file structure based on naming conventions rather than actual disk reality, leading to broken builds and wasted debugging time.

Understanding the Import Mapping Problem

In a large scale TypeScript project, imports are rarely simple. You might have path aliases defined in tsconfig.json, nested workspaces in a Yarn or pnpm setup, and shared barrel files that export hundreds of functions. For an AI agent to function effectively, it must ingest this context without exceeding its window or becoming confused by similar filenames in different packages.

Aider has established itself as a CLI powerhouse by using a "repository map" approach. It creates a compressed representation of your codebase to help the LLM understand where files live. This is particularly useful for multi-file editing because it provides the model with a map of signatures and definitions. When you ask for a change, Aider tries to identify which files need to be modified and how they relate to one another.

Claude Code, being a newer entry from Anthropic, takes a more tool-integrated approach. It operates directly within your terminal and uses a set of built-in tools to search, read, and edit files. Because it is optimized for the Claude 3.5 Sonnet model, it often shows a high degree of reasoning when it comes to resolving dependencies. However, both tools are still prone to hallucinations if the project structure is sufficiently opaque or if the context provided is incomplete.

How Aider Handles Multi-file Context

Aider excels at keeping the conversation focused on a specific set of files. By using the /add command, you explicitly tell the agent which files are relevant to your task. This reduces the noise and helps prevent the model from hallucinating imports from unrelated parts of the monorepo.

1. The Repository Map: Aider generates a .aider.tags.cache file. This contains a map of your code symbols.
2. Context Selection: You can manually add files or let Aider suggest them.
3. Edit Blocks: It uses a search and replace format which is generally more robust than rewriting entire files.

Despite these strengths, if you are working in a monorepo with multiple index.ts files, Aider might occasionally suggest an import from @/components when the actual alias is ~components or requires a relative path. The effectiveness depends heavily on the accuracy of the repository map and whether the relevant package.json files were included in the session.

Claude Code and the Tool Use Paradigm

Claude Code relies on a loop of "plan, act, and reflect." Instead of just generating code blocks, it can run a grep command or a list files command to verify a path before it writes the import statement. This active exploration can significantly reduce hallucinations because the agent is "looking" at the file system in real time.

In a TypeScript monorepo, Claude Code might use its search tools to find where a specific interface is defined. If it finds the interface in packages/core/src/types.ts, it is less likely to guess a path and more likely to use the actual location. However, this iterative process can consume more tokens and take longer than Aider's direct editing style.

Running Agents side by side in Deska

One way to mitigate the weaknesses of any single agent is to use multiple tools for different parts of a task. The Deska canvas allows you to run different agents as separate panels. You can have Aider running in one terminal panel and Claude Code in another, both pointing to the same local directory.

Deska is a local-first desktop application that provides an infinite canvas for your development workflow. Instead of being confined to a single terminal window, you can spread your work across multiple panels. This is particularly helpful when managing imports because you can keep your tsconfig.json open in a code editor panel for easy reference while the agents work.

The coding agents in Deska, including Claude Code and Aider via the terminal, benefit from this visual layout. If Aider hallucinates an import, you can quickly see the error in a terminal panel running your compiler and use the Ask Deska assistant to verify the correct file path.

Strategies to Reduce Import Hallucinations

Regardless of the tool you choose, certain practices can help reduce the frequency of incorrect imports in TypeScript monorepos:

• Keep your tsconfig.json paths simple and consistent across packages.
• Ensure that agents have access to the root package.json and any relevant workspace configurations.
• Use explicit file adding: do not rely on the agent to "guess" the entire project structure.
• Run a type check or build command frequently to catch hallucinations early.

In Deska, you can arrange your terminals so that one is always running a file watcher (like tsc --watch). Because Deska is a free desktop app, you can customize this workspace without worrying about additional costs for the interface itself. You simply bring your own API keys for the AI models.

The Role of Local Context and Privacy

Both Aider and Claude Code run locally on your machine, which is essential for security and speed. Deska follows this philosophy by ensuring that your code and sessions stay on your machine. The privacy policy emphasizes that your data is not stored on external servers by the workspace.

If you are away from your desk, the mobile app allows you to monitor the progress of your agents through a secure relay. This is useful for long running tasks where an agent might be refactoring multiple files across a monorepo. You can check if the build passed or if the agent got stuck on a hallucinated import.

Comparing Execution Workflows

Aider is often faster for surgical changes in files you already know. Claude Code is often better at exploring a codebase you are less familiar with, though it may be slower due to the iterative nature of its tool calls. Using them in Deska panels side by side allows you to choose the right tool for the specific sub-task.

FAQ

How do I fix Aider import errors?

The most effective way is to explicitly add the file containing the correct definition to the chat using the /add command. This forces the LLM to see the actual path and symbols, reducing the chance of a hallucination.

Is Claude Code better for monorepos?

Claude Code has a strong ability to search the file system autonomously, which can be an advantage in large monorepos. It can find files that you might have forgotten to include in the context.

Can I run Aider and Claude Code at the same time?

Yes, you can run them in separate terminal sessions. Using a workspace like Deska makes this easier by allowing you to see both outputs on a single canvas without switching tabs.

Getting Started with Deska

If you are tired of managing multiple terminal tabs and losing track of your agent sessions, Deska offers a visual way to organize your AI driven development. By placing your terminals, code, and notes on an infinite canvas, you gain the spatial awareness needed to manage complex TypeScript projects.

You can download Deska for Mac, Windows, or Linux. The workspace itself is free to use with your own API keys. For more information on how to set up your environment, check the getting started guide or explore the various panel types available to customize your workflow.