Cline
The open-source autonomous coding agent that lives inside VS Code.
Visit Cline Free (BYO API key)
Quick verdict
- Best for
- Developers already paying for Claude API
- Pricing
- Free (BYO API key)
- Not ideal if
- You pay API costs directly (can add up)
- Editor rating
- 4.5/5 editorial score, not user reviews
What is Cline?
Cline is an open-source AI agent that runs inside VS Code. Plan a feature, watch it execute commands, edit files, and ask for approval at each risky step. BYO API key (Claude or GPT) — no subscription markup.
Key features
- Runs inside VS Code
- Plan + Act modes (think before edit)
- BYO API key (Claude, GPT, OpenRouter, Bedrock)
- Approves each file edit + shell command
- MCP server support
Pros
- No subscription — you pay your API directly
- Open source — fully auditable
- Plan/Act split makes it safer than alternatives
Cons
- You pay API costs directly (can add up)
- Less polished than Cursor
- Requires existing API key
Best for
Developers already paying for Claude APIVS Code loyalistsOpen-source preference
Read more
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