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Concurrent File Edits (AKA Multi-File Edits)

Edit multiple files in a single operation, dramatically speeding up refactoring and multi-file changes.

What It Does​

Batch diff approval interface showing multiple file changes

Concurrent File Edits allows Roo to modify multiple files in your workspace within a single request. Instead of approving each file edit individually, you review and approve all changes at once through a unified batch approval interface.

Why Use It​

Traditional approach: Sequential file edits requiring individual approvals

  • Edit file A → Approve
  • Edit file B → Approve
  • Edit file C → Approve

With Concurrent File Edits: All changes presented together

  • Review all proposed changes across files A, B, and C
  • Approve once to apply all changes

This reduces interruptions and speeds up complex tasks like:

  • Refactoring functions across multiple files
  • Updating configuration values throughout your codebase
  • Renaming components and their references
  • Applying consistent formatting or style changes

How to Enable​

Experimental Feature

Multi-File Edits is an experimental feature and must be enabled in settings.

  1. Open Roo Code settings (click the gear icon in Roo Code)
  2. Navigate to Roo Code > Experimental Settings
  3. Enable the Enable multi-file edits option
Enable multi-file edits toggle in experimental settings

Using the Feature​

When enabled, Roo automatically uses concurrent edits when appropriate. You'll see a "Batch Diff Approval" interface showing:

  • All files to be modified
  • Proposed changes for each file
  • Options to approve all changes or review individually

Example Workflow​

  1. Ask Roo to "Update all API endpoints to use the new authentication method"
  2. Roo analyzes your codebase and identifies all affected files
  3. You receive a single batch approval request showing changes across:
    • src/api/users.js
    • src/api/products.js
    • src/api/orders.js
    • src/middleware/auth.js
  4. Review all changes in the unified diff view
  5. Approve to apply all changes simultaneously

Technical Details​

This feature leverages the apply_diff tool's experimental multi-file capabilities. For detailed information about the implementation, XML format, and how the MultiFileSearchReplaceDiffStrategy works, see the apply_diff documentation.

Best Practices​

When to Enable​

  • Using capable AI models (Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4, etc.)
  • Comfortable reviewing multiple changes at once

When to Keep Disabled​

  • Working with less capable models that might struggle with complex multi-file contexts
  • Prefer reviewing each change individually

Limitations​

  • Experimental: This feature is still being refined and may have edge cases
  • Model dependent: Works best with more capable AI models
  • Token usage: Initial requests may use more tokens due to larger context
  • Complexity: Very large batch operations might be harder to review

Troubleshooting​

Changes Not Batching​

  • Verify the experimental flag is enabled in settings
  • Check that your model supports multi-file operations
  • Ensure files aren't restricted by .rooignore

Approval UI Not Appearing​

  • Update to the latest version of Roo Code
  • Check VS Code's output panel for errors
  • Try disabling and re-enabling the feature

Performance Issues​

  • For very large batches, consider breaking the task into smaller chunks
  • Monitor token usage if working with limited API quotas

See Also​