Cline

Cline — An open-source coding agent for VS Code, the command line and software-development kits. Cline can inspect files, edit code, run commands and use browser or MCP tools with user approval.

Key Features

• Plan and Act modes with explicit approval checkpoints
• Read, write, terminal and browser capabilities
• Checkpoints, rules, skills and MCP integrations
• Model-agnostic access through many providers or local models

Pricing Structure

The open-source software is free for individual developers. Users pay for AI inference on a usage basis, either through their own model-provider API keys or the Cline provider. Enterprise is available with custom pricing.

Use Performance & Case Suitability

• Implementing or debugging repository changes
• Using a preferred cloud or local model for coding
• Creating approval-controlled automation
• Embedding Cline capabilities in developer workflows

Customization & Flexibility

• Rules, skills, modes and MCP servers
• Model provider, local model and API configuration
• Enterprise SSO, RBAC, observability and policy controls

Data Handling & Privacy

Cline is designed to run in the user’s development environment and can use bring-your-own-key providers. Privacy therefore depends on the chosen model and integrations; enterprise controls can centralize policy and audit activity.

Support & Documentation

Documentation, GitHub and Discord community; commercial and enterprise support is available through Cline.