How to Edit Files#

gptme edits files with surgical precision using its patch and save tools. Use this guide when you want targeted edits — not a full rewrite.

Edit a specific function#

Point gptme at the file and describe the change:

gptme 'in utils.py, change parse_date to also accept ISO 8601 strings' utils.py

gptme will read the relevant section, apply a targeted patch, and show you the diff.

Pass multiple files and describe what spans them:

gptme 'rename the `config` parameter to `cfg` everywhere in these files' api.py client.py tests/test_api.py

gptme reads all three, makes consistent edits, and summarises the changes.

Paste a diff and let gptme apply it:

git diff main..feature | gptme 'apply this diff to the current branch, resolving any conflicts'

Pipe the error message and the file:

python myapp.py 2>&1 | gptme 'fix the error' myapp.py

gptme 'add full type annotations to all public functions in this file' mymodule.py

gptme shows diffs by default. After reviewing:

gptme 'looks good, commit with a descriptive message'

Or chain it in one go:

gptme 'add type annotations to public functions in mymodule.py' - 'run mypy on it and fix any errors' - 'commit'

Be specific about what to keep: “change X to Y but keep Z” works well.
Use the file as context: always pass the file as an argument; gptme won’t assume it knows the current content.
Chain prompts with - to edit → test → commit in one command.