What Is Cline?
Cline is an open source AI coding agent built around developer control and model flexibility. It works inside supported IDEs and through command line tooling where it can inspect a codebase create and modify files run terminal commands and use connected tools to complete multi step development tasks.
Approvals Before Actions
Cline exposes the actions an agent wants to perform instead of silently changing a project. Developers can approve or reject file edits and command execution and can configure automation more aggressively when they are comfortable with a workflow. Checkpoints help preserve recoverable project states during longer tasks.
Bring The Model You Prefer
One of Cline's defining features is broad model support. Users can connect supported model providers use OpenAI compatible endpoints choose the Cline API or configure local options. MCP support further extends the agent with databases services documentation and custom tools.
Ideal Users
- Developers who want an open source agent inside VS Code style editors
- Users who prefer choosing their own AI provider
- Teams experimenting with MCP based development tools
- Engineers who want visible approvals before agent actions
- Power users building customized coding workflows
Key features
- File System Access: Reads creates and edits codebase files.
- Terminal Control: Runs commands after the configured approval process.
- Model Choice: Works with many hosted and local AI providers.
- Cline API: Provides a unified endpoint for supported models.
- MCP Marketplace: Extends the agent with external tools and data.
- Checkpoints: Captures recoverable project snapshots during agent work.
- Custom Modes: Supports specialized workflows and instructions.
- IDE And CLI Surfaces: Lets developers choose how they interact with the agent.
Use cases
Feature Development,Bug Fixing,Refactoring,Codebase Exploration,Terminal Automation,MCP Workflows,Testing,Local Model Coding
How to use
How To Use Cline
- Install Cline: Add the Cline extension to a supported IDE or install the official CLI for terminal workflows.
- Choose A Model Provider: Sign in to the Cline service or configure the provider API key or compatible local model you want to use.
- Open Your Project: Load the repository and let Cline inspect relevant workspace context.
- Describe A Specific Task: Explain the desired change expected behavior and constraints in natural language.
- Review Proposed Actions: Approve file changes terminal commands and external tool calls according to your trust level.
- Use Checkpoints For Safety: Keep checkpoint support enabled when working on larger edits so project states can be restored.
- Inspect The Work: Review every changed file and the command or test results produced by the agent.
- Refine And Validate: Give follow up instructions then run your own tests and review before committing the final changes.
Best for
Developers, Open Source Users, Power Users, Teams, Model Flexible Workflows
Integrations
MCP,OpenAI Compatible APIs,Anthropic,OpenRouter,Local Models,IDE Tools,Terminal
Commercial use
Yes Subject To Cline License And The Chosen Model Provider Terms
