Cline
cline.bot
Open-source AI coding agent that runs inside your IDE and edits files autonomously.
Quick Information
- Category:
- Coding
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platforms:
- Web, macOS, Windows, Linux
- Free Plan:
- Yes
- API Available:
- Yes
- Last Verified:
- September 2026
What Is Cline?
Cline (formerly Claude-Dev) is a genuinely open-source coding agent, released under the Apache 2.0 license with over 5 million installs and more than 61,000 GitHub stars, adopted by teams at companies including Samsung, Salesforce, and Amazon. Unlike most coding assistants that require a subscription, Cline runs entirely on a bring-your-own-API-key model — no subscription to Cline itself, only the cost of whichever underlying AI model provider you connect it to.
That model flexibility is a real differentiator: Cline works with any API-accessible model — Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, or local models run through Ollama — and has crossed 30 supported providers as of 2026, spanning Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, DeepSeek, Qwen, Grok, and local options. It's also expanded well beyond its original VS Code home, now running in JetBrains, Cursor, Windsurf, Zed, Neovim, and a preview CLI for macOS and Linux.
Every action it takes — reading and writing files, running terminal commands, browsing for research — requires human approval at each step by default, giving full visibility into what the agent is actually doing rather than a black-box autonomous loop. It's aimed at developers who want genuine control over which AI model they use and full transparency into agent actions, not a fully managed, single-vendor coding assistant. See our Coding tools directory for how it compares against subscription-based alternatives.
What Can You Use Cline For?
Multi-model coding assistance
Works with any API-accessible model rather than being locked into a single provider.
Transparent agentic coding
Performs multi-step coding tasks with human approval visible at each step.
Cross-editor development
Runs across VS Code, JetBrains, Cursor, Windsurf, Zed, Neovim, and a CLI.
Cline Features
- Open-source, Apache 2.0 licensed — Fully open-source with no subscription required for the tool itself.
- Bring-your-own API key — Runs on your own connected AI model provider rather than a Cline-specific subscription.
- Multi-provider support — Works with over 30 model providers including Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, DeepSeek, and local models via Ollama.
- Step-by-step approval — Requires human approval at each action, giving full visibility into agent behavior.
Who Is Cline For?
- Developers wanting model flexibility — Chooses their own AI model provider rather than being locked into one vendor.
- Teams prioritizing transparency and control — Reviews and approves every agent action rather than trusting a fully autonomous black box.
Cline Pros & Limitations
What We Like
- Genuinely open-source with no subscription cost for the tool itself
- Works with over 30 AI model providers, including local models via Ollama
- Step-by-step approval gives full transparency into agent actions
Limitations
- Requires managing your own API key and understanding associated usage costs
- No built-in model — quality depends entirely on which provider you connect
- Step-by-step approval, while transparent, is slower than a fully autonomous workflow
Cline Pricing
Free
Pricing was last verified September 2026. Check the official website for the latest pricing.
AI Listing Jungle Ranking
- Global Rank:
- #79
- Overall Score:
- 78.0/100
- Monthly Users:
- 1M+
- Rank Change:
- ▲ 23
This ranking reflects AI Listing Jungle's own independent scoring methodology and is not an endorsement by Cline or its company. How Our Rankings Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cline free?
The tool itself is free and open-source; you pay only for usage of whichever AI model provider you connect.
What AI models does Cline support?
Over 30 providers as of 2026, including Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, DeepSeek, Qwen, Grok, and local models via Ollama.
Does Cline work outside VS Code?
Yes, it runs in JetBrains, Cursor, Windsurf, Zed, Neovim, and a preview CLI for macOS and Linux.
Does Cline act autonomously without oversight?
No, it requires human approval at each action by default, giving full visibility into what it’s doing.
Our Take
Cline's genuine open-source model and multi-provider flexibility make it a strong choice for developers who want real control over cost and which AI model powers their coding assistant.
Its step-by-step approval workflow trades some speed for the transparency many developers specifically want from an agentic tool.
Cline Alternatives
Cline Comparisons
Ready to try Cline?
Visit the official website to get started.
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