Cline
FreeOpen-source agentic IDE extension with strong multi-provider support.
FreeFree tier
About Cline
Cline is an open-source autonomous coding agent that operates as an SDK, IDE extension (VS Code and JetBrains), or CLI assistant. It reads project structure, makes coordinated edits across files, monitors linter and compiler errors, and runs bash commands in real time. Cline features Plan and Act modes for safe exploration, checkpoints for undo, human-in-the-loop approval, and a Kanban web-based multi-agent task board for parallel workflows. Its Node.js SDK enables building custom AI agents, custom tools, multi-agent teams, and scheduled automations. Cline is designed for both interactive use and headless CI/CD scripting.
Key Features
Edits code across entire project with coordinated file changes
Monitors linter and compiler errors during edits
Runs bash commands and watches output in real time
Plan and Act modes for safe exploration vs autonomous execution
Human-in-the-loop approval for edits and commands
Checkpoints to undo agent changes
Kanban web-based multi-agent task board with worktrees and auto-commit
Headless CLI mode for CI/CD and scripting
VS Code and JetBrains IDE extensions
Node.js SDK for building custom AI agents and integrations
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open-source and free to use with own API keys
- Multi-platform: VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, and SDK
- Monitors errors in real time and fixes issues automatically
- Checkpoints allow easy undo of agent actions
- Human-in-the-loop approval provides safety during execution
- Plan mode allows safe exploration before acting
- Kanban enables parallel multi-agent workflows
- Supports headless operation for CI/CD automation
Cons
- Requires API keys for LLM providers, incurring usage costs
- Steep learning curve for advanced features like SDK and Kanban
- Limited to coding tasks within the project context and terminal commands
- May be resource-intensive for very large projects or complex agent teams
Best For
Automated code refactoring and large-scale editsRunning build scripts, tests, and deployment commandsManaging dev servers and reacting to compile errors in real timeParallel task execution using Kanban boards with dependency chainsBuilding custom AI agents with SDK for custom tools and connectorsCI/CD scripting with headless CLI modeCode review assistance with diff review and revert
FAQ
What is Cline?
Cline is an open-source autonomous coding agent that works as an SDK, IDE extension (VS Code and JetBrains), or CLI assistant for editing code, running commands, and managing project workflows.
Is Cline free?
Yes, Cline is open-source and free to use. You only pay for the LLM API keys you choose to use (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic).
Can I use Cline in my terminal?
Yes, Cline offers a CLI version that can be installed via npm (npm i -g cline) and supports interactive chat or headless mode for CI/CD.
Does Cline support JetBrains IDEs?
Yes, Cline provides a JetBrains plugin for IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, GoLand, and other JetBrains products, available from the JetBrains Marketplace.