Cline: Open-Source AI Coding Agent for VS Code, JetBrains, and the Terminal

What Is Cline?

Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that works where developers already work: as a plugin for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs, as a command-line tool, as a Kanban board interface, or as an embeddable SDK. It can read and write code, execute terminal commands, operate a browser, and carry out automation tasks across the full cycle from coding to deployment.

Its distinguishing design is a dual-mode workflow that separates planning from execution. Every change requires review and can be rolled back with one click, which makes the agent safe to use even on sensitive codebases.

Core Features

• Cross-file code editing: understands project structure and file dependencies, makes coordinated multi-file changes, and monitors linter and compiler errors to fix them automatically.
• Terminal command execution: runs commands directly in the terminal and observes output in real time, covering dependency installation, test runs, deployments, and long-running dev servers.
• Plan / Act dual mode: Plan mode explores the codebase, clarifies requirements, and drafts a strategy; Act mode executes the confirmed plan. Each step requires approval, and an auto-approve option enables autonomous operation.
• Rules and skills: a .clinerules file in the repository defines coding standards, architectural constraints, and deployment procedures, and is loaded automatically by the CLI and editor plugins.
• Full model support: compatible with Claude, GPT, Gemini, OpenRouter, AWS Bedrock, Ollama local models, and any OpenAI-compatible endpoint — bring your own API key.
• MCP and plugin extension: register custom tools and lifecycle hooks via the SDK, or connect MCP servers for databases, APIs, and infrastructure.
• Multi-agent teams and scheduled tasks: coordinator agents break down tasks and delegate to specialist agents, with cron support for recurring automation.
• Multi-platform access: chat with the agent from Slack, Telegram, Discord, or Linear, and run it headlessly in CI/CD pipelines such as GitHub Actions.

How to Use Cline

1. Install the tool: run npm i -g cline in the terminal to install the CLI, or search the VS Code / JetBrains plugin marketplace for the corresponding editor extension.
2. Configure a model: sign in with Cline's official billing, subscribe to the ClinePass plan (listed at $9.99/month), or enter your own Anthropic or OpenAI API key, or a local model endpoint.
3. Describe a task: state your need in natural language in the dialog — for example, implement user authentication and write tests for it.
4. Plan first: start in Plan mode and let Cline explore the codebase and propose an implementation strategy before switching modes.
5. Approve execution: in Act mode, review each file modification and terminal command step by step, or enable auto-approve to let it run autonomously.
6. Review and roll back: inspect every change via diffs; if the result is unsatisfactory, use checkpoints to undo back to a previous state with one click.
7. Extend and integrate: write .clinerules standards as needed, connect MCP servers, or use cline connect to reach Slack, Telegram, and other platforms for remote use.

Best Use Cases

• Taking over legacy projects: for unfamiliar or poorly documented older projects, Cline quickly parses architecture and call relationships, acting as an always-available code guide.
• Cross-module refactoring: systematic changes touching many files — renaming interfaces, upgrading frameworks, unifying conventions — are coordinated by Cline with automatic fixes for cascading issues.
• Test-driven development: describe a requirement and let Cline generate and run test cases, then iterate on failing output until everything passes.
• Pipeline intelligent inspection: embed Cline's headless mode into CI/CD to automatically review commits, fix build failures, and produce change-risk analyses.
• Periodic code governance: scheduled tasks generate dependency update reports, TODO summaries, and code-quality weekly reports to continuously guard code health.

Advantages

• Fully open source: licensed under Apache 2.0, with auditable code and self-hosting support — no black-box risk.
• No vendor lock-in: works with all major providers such as Claude, GPT, and Gemini plus local models; switching models does not change the workflow.
• Full-surface coverage: one core spans VS Code, JetBrains, terminal CLI, Kanban board, and SDK, connecting the editor seamlessly to CI/CD pipelines.
• Safe and controllable: every operation requires explicit approval, and diff previews plus checkpoint rollback keep control even at high automation levels.
• Enterprise-grade capabilities: SSO, role-based access control, OpenTelemetry observability, and team management meet organizational security and governance needs.
• Extensible ecosystem: MCP protocol and plugin system connect databases, APIs, and messaging platforms, continuously expanding capability boundaries.

Limitations

• Model costs are separate: the tool itself is free, but calling commercial models requires paying API fees yourself, and usage can add up on large tasks.
• Quality depends on the model: output quality varies with the LLM you connect; the agent itself does not guarantee results.
• Approval overhead: the default step-by-step approval flow can feel slow on long tasks; auto-approve trades some safety for speed.
• Setup required for full power: advanced capabilities such as MCP servers, .clinerules, and multi-agent teams require additional configuration.

Pricing Verification Notice

According to the source material, Cline itself is open source and free (Apache 2.0). Costs come from the model side: you can pay your own API fees, subscribe to a ClinePass plan listed at $9.99/month, or use free local models. Pricing and availability change frequently — please verify current plans and prices on the official website (cline.bot) before purchasing.

Alternatives

• Cursor: a standalone AI editor that requires migrating your environment; Cline instead embeds as a plugin into your existing editor and is fully open source with no model lock-in.
• Windsurf: an AI-native editor environment, whereas Cline offers a plugin/CLI/SDK form factor.
• Replit Agent: an AI coding assistant from the online IDE Replit, oriented toward its own hosted platform rather than local editor integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cline free?

The tool itself is open source and free under Apache 2.0. However, calling models requires paying API costs yourself, or you can subscribe to a ClinePass plan (listed at $9.99/month) or use free local models.

Which editors does Cline support?

VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, the full JetBrains family, and Zed, with Neovim accessible via ACP mode.

Which models does Cline support?

Claude, GPT, Gemini, OpenRouter, AWS Bedrock, Ollama local models, and any OpenAI-compatible interface.

Will Cline modify code without permission?

No. Every file edit and command execution requires explicit user approval; it runs autonomously only after auto-approve is enabled.

Can changes be rolled back?

Yes. All changes are recorded in checkpoints and can be rolled back to any previous state with one click.

Can Cline run in CI/CD pipelines?

Yes. The CLI supports headless mode and JSON output, and can be embedded directly into GitHub Actions, GitLab, and other pipelines.

How is Cline different from Cursor?

Cursor is a standalone AI editor you must migrate to, while Cline enters your existing editor as a plugin and is fully open source with no model lock-in.

Source Notes

This page is based on the Cline listing on and the official Cline website (cline.bot), verified as of 2026-08-22. Feature, pricing, and availability details may change; please confirm against the official site.