Cline

Key facts: Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that runs as a VS Code extension: it reads your project, plans changes, edits files, runs terminal commands and uses a browser, with plan and act modes so you approve the plan before it changes code. You connect your own model API keys.

Plans: Cline itself is free and open source; you pay only for the model API you connect, with your provider’s own pricing and free tiers. There is no Cline subscription for the core agent.

Best for: developers who want a transparent, customisable agent in VS Code. Watch out: it can run terminal commands and edit files, so approve its plan and review diffs, especially in shared repos.

Pros

• An open-source AI coding agent that runs as a VS Code extension and works inside your project.
• Reads your project, plans changes, edits files, runs terminal commands and uses a browser.
• Plan and act modes let you approve the plan before it changes any code.

Watch out for

• It can run terminal commands and edit files, so unreviewed runs can damage a project.
• You supply your own model API keys, so model costs and quality depend on the provider you choose.
• It suits developers. Non-developers will find a coding agent is the wrong tool for general tasks.

Best for

Best for: developers who want a transparent, customisable agent in VS Code. Who should skip it: anyone who does not code, or teams that need a managed, no-setup coding tool.

Pricing

Cline itself is free and open source. You pay only for the model API you connect, under your provider own pricing and free tiers. There is no Cline subscription for the core agent. Check your model provider pricing page for current rates.

FAQs

What is Cline? An open-source AI coding agent that runs as a VS Code extension.

How does plan mode help? You approve the plan before Cline changes code, which keeps edits under your control.

What does Cline cost? Nothing for the core agent. You pay your model provider for the API usage you connect.

What should I check before running it? Approve its plan and review diffs, especially in shared repos.