Cline
Cline is an open-source VS Code extension that runs autonomous coding agents — plan, edit files, run terminal commands, and connect MCP tools — without switching editors.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Cline UI labels, model providers, and pricing change between releases. Verify at cline.bot and the VS Code marketplace listing.
What it is good at
| Strength | Detail |
|---|---|
| Open source | Inspect and fork the extension; no vendor IDE lock-in |
| VS Code native | Works in VS Code, VSCodium, and compatible forks |
| Multi-model | Bring your own API keys — Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, local models |
| MCP support | Connect databases, docs, and internal APIs via MCP servers |
| Terminal integration | Agent runs shell commands with approval gates |
| Cost control | Pay API providers directly; no separate Cline subscription required |
Setup
# 1. Install from VS Code Extensions: search "Cline"
# 2. Open Cline panel (sidebar icon)
# 3. Configure API key in Cline settings for your chosen provider
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| API provider | Match your org policy (Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.) |
| Auto-approve | Off for file writes and terminal commands |
| MCP | Add servers in Cline MCP settings (same shape as Cursor) |
Docs: Cline documentation.
Modes / core workflow
| Mode | Use when |
|---|---|
| Plan | Multi-file feature; approve file list before edits |
| Act | Implement approved plan; iterative fixes |
| Chat | Read-only exploration; no file changes |
Typical loop:
- Describe task with
@filereferences to relevant paths - Review proposed plan — reject scope creep
- Approve file edits and terminal commands one batch at a time
- Run tests locally; paste failures back into Cline
- Human diff review before commit
Same verification bar as Cursor Agent — see Verifying AI Output.
MCP with Cline
Configure MCP servers in Cline settings (JSON shape matches MCP Config Cheat Sheet):
{
"mcpServers": {
"my-dev-tools": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["./mcp-server/dist/index.js"],
"env": { "DATABASE_URL": "${env:DATABASE_URL}" }
}
}
}
Use MCP for internal docs and read-only staging DB — not production writes without security review.
When to use it vs alternatives
| Choose Cline | Choose something else |
|---|---|
| Must stay in stock VS Code | Cursor — dedicated AI IDE with deeper agent UX |
| Open-source requirement | Copilot — enterprise deployment at scale |
| BYO API keys / local models | Claude Code — terminal-first Anthropic agent |
| Budget: pay providers only | Devin Desktop — multi-agent orchestration |
| Git-centric terminal workflow | Aider — lighter CLI pair programmer |
See Choosing an AI Coding Tool.
Limitations
- No built-in multi-repo orchestration like Devin Desktop
- Agent quality depends entirely on the model and API key you configure
- Enterprise SSO and audit features vary — confirm before regulated industries
- You own prompt injection risk when MCP tools are enabled