Cline
Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that integrates frontier AI models directly into your IDE, offering comprehensive coding assistance with capabilities for understanding codebases, planning complex changes, and executing multi-step tasks.
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Product Information
Updated:Feb 28, 2026
What is Cline
Cline is a powerful AI-powered coding assistant that has been trusted by over 5 million developers worldwide. It functions as both a Visual Studio Code extension and a command-line interface, making it versatile for different development environments. Unlike traditional autocomplete tools, Cline serves as a true coding agent that can comprehend entire codebases and interact with various AI models, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, AWS Bedrock, and more. Users can also configure it to work with local models through LM Studio/Ollama.
Key Features of Cline
Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that integrates directly into popular IDEs and provides comprehensive coding assistance through Plan/Act modes. It can understand entire codebases, plan complex changes, and execute multi-step tasks with full transparency. The tool supports multiple AI models through various API providers, offers context-aware coding assistance, and includes features like automatic context management, checkpoints, and customizable workflows.
Plan & Act Mode: Enables structured development by first exploring and planning changes before implementation, with real-time visibility into complex implementations and automatic progress tracking
Context-Aware Intelligence: Automatically gathers and manages context about your project, with dynamic adaptation and focus chain maintenance for better task continuity
Integrated Development Environment: Seamlessly integrates into VSCode, JetBrains IDEs, and terminal workflows with code commands, quick fixes, and keyboard shortcuts
Customizable Automation: Offers rules, skills, and workflows system for creating reusable instruction sets and automating repetitive tasks
Use Cases of Cline
Large-Scale Refactoring: Coordinate changes across large codebases while maintaining consistency in imports, types, and behavior
System Migration: Plan and execute complex system migrations, such as authentication system changes, with comprehensive planning and risk management
Code Review and Documentation: Analyze code, explain changes, and maintain documentation automatically across project modifications
CI/CD Automation: Use CLI interface to automate recurring checks, updates, and custom workflows in continuous integration pipelines
Pros
Open source with full transparency and security
Supports multiple AI models without vendor lock-in
Rich IDE integration with extensive automation capabilities
Cons
Requires API keys from model providers
Learning curve for advanced features and workflows
How to Use Cline
Install VS Code: Download and install Visual Studio Code from code.visualstudio.com if you haven't already
Install Cline Extension: Install the Cline extension from the VS Code marketplace or open VSX registry
Configure API Access: Set up API keys from your preferred provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Mistral) or use free models like Minimax M2.5 and Kimi K2.5 that are available for a limited time
Set Custom Instructions: Optionally configure custom instructions to control how Cline behaves in your environment
Start Using Cline: Begin interacting with Cline in your IDE to explore codebases, make changes, and execute commands
Use Terminal Interface: Launch Cline CLI in your terminal for command-line workflows, using Tab to toggle modes and keyboard navigation
Set Up Project Controls: Create .clinerules files to establish project-specific controls and workflows
Monitor Usage: Keep track of API usage and costs through Cline's UI which displays estimated costs for tasks
Use Advanced Features: Leverage features like Deep Planning, Focus Chain, Auto Compact, and Memory Bank for complex development tasks
Integrate with CI/CD: Set up Cline CLI in scripts, cron jobs, and CI pipelines for automated workflows and checks
Cline FAQs
Cline is an open-source AI coding assistant that integrates with multiple platforms including VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and Cursor. It has over 5 million installations and serves as a collaborative AI partner for both enterprise and casual development.
Cline Video
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