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Cline

Cline

Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code, terminal, and SDK workflows

softwareAI Code Assistantsai-coding-agentopen-sourcevscode-extension
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Our Verdict

Best for

Developers who want an open-source, multi-IDE coding agent with full control over which model they use

Skip if

You want a single all-in-one subscription with a model included rather than managing your own API key

What is Cline?

Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that performs coordinated multi-file changes with linter-aware fixes, diffs, checkpoints, and one-click undo on every step. It can also execute terminal commands and handle deployment-related tasks directly within the coding session.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App
open source✅ Yes
api available✅ Yes
key integrationsVS Code, JetBrains, Cursor, Windsurf, Anthropic, OpenAI, AWS Bedrock, Azure

Key Features of Cline

Performs coordinated multi-file code changes with linter-aware fixes and visible diffs.
Provides checkpoints and one-click undo for every action the agent takes.
Executes terminal and bash commands directly as part of its coding workflow.
Works as an extension across VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and JetBrains IDEs.
Supports bring-your-own-API-key setup for Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, AWS Bedrock, Azure, and other providers.
Fully open source under the Apache 2.0 license with an active contributor community.
Handles deployment-related tasks live within the same coding session.

Use Cases for Cline

1

Autonomous Multi-File Refactors

Let the agent plan and apply coordinated changes across several files with reviewable diffs.

2

Terminal-Integrated Development

Have the agent run build, test, or deployment commands directly as part of its workflow.

3

IDE-Embedded Pair Programming

Use Cline inside VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, or JetBrains as an in-editor coding collaborator.

4

Model-Flexible Agentic Coding

Connect your own API key to the model provider of choice rather than being locked into one vendor.

Pros & Cons of Cline

Pros

  • Open source with no lock-in on which model provider you use
  • Multi-file agentic edits with visible diffs and easy one-click undo
  • Wide IDE support beyond just VS Code, including JetBrains, Cursor, and Windsurf
  • Large, active open-source community and contributor base

Cons

  • Requires bringing your own API key, adding setup complexity and separate model costs
  • Output quality depends heavily on which underlying model you connect
  • No single bundled price includes a managed model, unlike some closed competitors

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cline free?

Cline itself is free and open source (Apache 2.0), but you bring your own API key, so model usage costs are separate.

Which IDEs does it support?

It works with VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, and JetBrains editors.

Which AI providers can I use?

It supports Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, AWS Bedrock, Azure, and other major providers via your own API key.

Is Cline open source?

Yes, it is Apache 2.0 licensed with a large public GitHub community and contributor base.

Pricing Overview

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Freemium

Free

Free

Enterprise

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About the Product

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Platforms
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Target AudienceDevelopers who want an open-source, model-flexible AI coding agent

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