Cline
Plugin : A set of capabilities installed into an AI application or a host · requires vscode
Open source code agent in VS Code: plan then act mode, multi-file editing, terminal, native MCP client.
The best free agent with your own key; it executes commands, keep an eye on API costs.
Security reflects where data goes, requested permissions and incidents on record at the verification date. It is not a guarantee of zero risk: check the deployment mode and the connections you enable.
What it does, concretely
Writing code across multiple files, running commands, and fixing compilation errors in real time are repetitive tasks that slow developers down. Cline is an open source coding agent that handles these operations directly in your editor or terminal, without forcing you to leave your working environment.
Cline works in two stages: in Plan mode, it explores your codebase, asks clarifying questions, and proposes a strategy; in Act mode, it executes changes file by file and command by command, asking for your approval at each step. Every edit appears as a diff you can accept, adjust, or revert. Checkpoints are saved automatically so you can undo the agent's work if needed.
Cline is aimed at developers who want to stay in control of their code while delegating repetitive tasks to an agent. It works with all major model providers (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, AWS Bedrock, Azure, and more) as well as local models via Ollama or LM Studio. The VS Code extension and JetBrains plugin are free; you only pay for your API key or use a local model.
Cline is not suited for those looking for a ready-to-use tool with no configuration: you need to bring your own API key, monitor usage costs, and accept that your code is sent to the chosen model provider. Non-developer users or those unfamiliar with VS Code, JetBrains, or a terminal will find the learning curve steep.
What it offers
- ·Plan then Act mode: Cline explores your code and proposes a strategy before acting, with human approval at each step or an activatable autopilot mode.
- ·Coordinated multi-file editing: consistent changes across the entire project with automatic detection of type, import, and syntax errors.
- ·Terminal command execution: package installation, test runs, deployments, and live dev server management.
- ·Compatible with all major model providers: Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, AWS Bedrock, Azure, Ollama, LM Studio, and any OpenAI-compatible endpoint.
- ·Native MCP client: connect to databases, APIs, and cloud infrastructure via community or custom MCP servers.
- ·Project rules via .clinerules files: define your coding, architecture, and deployment conventions for the agent to follow automatically.
- ·Available as a VS Code extension, JetBrains plugin, desktop app (macOS and Windows), and npm-installable CLI.
- ·Multi-agent teams and scheduling: a coordinator agent delegates subtasks to specialist agents, with cron-based execution for recurring automations.
In practice
- Price
- Free
- Commercial use
- Commercial use: yes
- Available on
- vscode, windsurf
- Host
- vscode
- Licence
- Apache-2.0
- FR interface
- No
Security and data
- Rating
- Security: one caveat, see the card
- Your data
- Local or cloud depending on use
- Maintenance
- Active
- Last release
- 17 October 2026
Links and repository checked on 25 October 2026 · added on 1 July 2024
How to install Cline
npm i -g cline