Cline

What is Cline

Cline is an open-source and free AI codingagent that runs in multiple forms—plugin, CLI, Kanban, and SDK—across VS Code, JetBrains, and terminal environments. It can read and write code, execute commands, operate browsers, and complete automated tasks. Cline uses a dual-mode design that separates planning and execution; every change requires approval and can be rolled back with one click. It also supports any mainstream large model and local models, and can connect to external systems via the MCP protocol, helping developers safely and efficiently complete the entire process from coding to deployment.

Cline's main features

• Cross-file code editing: Understands project structure and file dependencies, makes coordinated multi-file modifications, monitors linter and compilation errors in real time, and fixes them automatically.
• Terminal command execution: Runs commands directly in the terminal and observes output in real time, capable of handling dependency installation, running tests, deployment, and long-running development servers.
• Plan / Act dual mode: First explore the codebase, clarify requirements, and formulate a strategy in Plan mode; after confirmation, switch to Act mode for execution. Every operation requires approval, and automatic approval can be enabled for autonomous operation.
• Rules and skills: Define project coding standards, architectural conventions, and deployment processes through .clinerules files; the CLI and editor plugins automatically load and apply them.
• Full model support: Compatible with Claude, GPT, Gemini, OpenRouter, AWS Bedrock, Ollama local models, and any OpenAI-compatible interface. Use it with your own key.
• MCP and plugin extensions: Register custom tools and lifecycle hooks through the SDK, or connect to MCP servers to link databases, APIs, and cloud infrastructure.
• Multi-agent teams and scheduled tasks: A coordinator agent breaks down tasks and delegates them to specialist agents, and supports cron-based periodic automation.
• Multi-platform access: Chat with the agent from messaging platforms such as Slack, Telegram, Discord, and Linear, and support headless operation in CI/CD pipelines such as GitHub Actions.

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How to use Cline

• Install the tool: Run npm i -g cline in the terminal to install the CLI, or search for and install the corresponding editor plugin in the VS Code / JetBrains plugin marketplace.
• Configure the model: Choose Cline official billing login, the ClinePass subscription at $9.99/month, or enter your own Anthropic, OpenAI, etc. API key and local model endpoint.
• Start a task: Describe your requirements in natural language in the dialog box, for example, implement user authentication and write tests.
• Plan the approach: First enter Plan mode and let Cline explore the codebase and provide an implementation strategy; switch only after confirming it is correct.
• Approve execution: Switch to Act mode and approve file modifications and terminal commands step by step, or enable automatic approval to let it complete them autonomously.
• Review and roll back: Review every change via diff, and when unsatisfied, use checkpoints to undo to a previous state with one click.
• Extension integration: Author .clinerules specifications on demand, connect to MCP servers, or use cline connect to connect to platforms such as Slack and Telegram for remote use.

Cline's working state

Understand codebases

Refactor large codebases

Cline's core advantages

• Fully open source and transparent: Uses the Apache 2.0 license; the code is auditable and self-hostable, with no black-box risk.
• No vendor lock-in: Supports all mainstream providers such as Claude, GPT, Gemini, and local models. It can run with your own keys or your own compute, and switching models does not change the workflow.
• Full-form coverage: A single core runs through VS Code, JetBrains, the terminal CLI, the Kanban board, and the SDK, seamlessly connecting from the editor to CI/CD pipelines.
• Secure and controllable: Every step requires explicit approval, and with diff previews and checkpoint rollback mechanisms, it stays under control no matter how high the level of automation.
• Enterprise-grade capabilities: Provides SSO, role-based access control, OpenTelemetry observability, and team management to meet organization-level security and governance needs.
• Extensible ecosystem: Compatible with the MCP protocol and plugin system, it can connect to external systems such as databases, APIs, and messaging platforms, continuously expanding the boundaries of what it can do.