Cline

Cline is an AI coding agent that lives inside popular code editors like VS Code and JetBrains. It can read your project files, understand your codebase, write and edit code, run terminal commands, and even test web applications in a browser. All of this happens with your permission at every step.

Unlike tools that just suggest code as you type, Cline can handle entire features from start to finish. It breaks down complex tasks into smaller steps, asks clarifying questions when needed, and explains what it plans to do before making changes.

The tool is completely free and open source. You connect it to AI models like Claude, GPT-4, or Gemini using your own API keys, giving you full control over which model to use and how much to spend.

Getting started with Cline is straightforward. Here are the steps:

• Install the Cline extension from your code editor's marketplace. It works with VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and other compatible editors.

• Create a free Cline account at app.cline.bot to access additional features and managed AI models. You can also bring your own API keys from providers like Anthropic, OpenAI, or others.

• Open Cline from the sidebar in your editor and describe your task in plain language. For example, "Create a contact form with validation."

• Review the plan Cline creates. In Plan Mode, Cline explores your project and designs a solution without changing any code. Switch to Act Mode when you want it to implement the changes.

• Approve each action. Cline shows you exactly what files it will change and what commands it will run. You stay in control throughout the process.

• Use checkpoints to save progress. You can compare different versions or roll back changes if needed.

• Plan and Act modes for strategic coding

• Autonomous file creation and editing

• Terminal command execution

• Browser testing and debugging

• Multi-model AI support (Claude, GPT-4, Gemini)

• Bring your own API keys

• Open source and transparent

• Real-time cost tracking

• Checkpoint and version control

• MCP server integration

• Team collaboration features

• Works with VS Code and JetBrains

• Enterprise security ready