Cline
Autonomous coding agent inside VS Code with step-by-step approvals.
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About Cline
Cline is listed in our coding category and is aimed at builders. Autonomous coding agent inside VS Code with step-by-step approvals. Pricing, as the maker states it: Open source. Maturity: Mature. We last checked the official link on 2026-10-14.
What is Cline?
Cline is an open-source coding agent that works in your IDE, in the terminal and as a desktop app. In VS Code it creates files, runs commands, browses the web and uses tools, with human-in-the-loop approval for each step.
There is also a CLI for interactive chat or fully headless runs in CI/CD and scripts, a native desktop app for macOS and Windows that can schedule routines and manage models, plugins and MCP servers, and a JetBrains plugin.
Sources: the official README and our directory listing, checked 2026-10-18. Official site: cline.bot.
Who is Cline for?
Developers who want an open-source coding agent inside VS Code or JetBrains with step-by-step approvals, plus teams that want to script it in CI.
Cline at a glance
- Open source: Yes (Apache License 2.0)
- GitHub: cline/cline · 70,701 stars (as of Oct 21, 2026)
Key features
- VS Code extension with human-in-the-loop approvals
- CLI with headless mode for CI/CD
- Desktop app for macOS and Windows
- JetBrains plugin
- MCP server management
Cline FAQ
What is Cline?
Cline is an open-source coding agent that works in your IDE, in the terminal and as a desktop app. In VS Code it creates files, runs commands, browses the web and uses tools, with human-in-the-loop approval for each step.
Who is Cline for?
Developers who want an open-source coding agent inside VS Code or JetBrains with step-by-step approvals, plus teams that want to script it in CI.
Is Cline free?
Cline's pricing, as the maker states it: Open source. Open-source tools are free to use, though you may still pay for model API usage or a hosted plan. Check the official site for current plans.
Is Cline open source?
Yes. Cline is released under the Apache License 2.0, according to its GitHub repository.
What are alternatives to Cline?
Similar tools include Roo Code, Claude Code, OpenHands, OpenQodex, Verdent and BackAnt Kairos.
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