Cline is an open source autonomous programming agent that runs as a VS Code extension. It can read and write files in the editor, execute terminal commands, call the browser, and complete coding tasks autonomously in the two-stage "plan/execution" manner. It emphasizes that users bring their own model API (BYOK), each operation requires manual confirmation, and extends tools through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It is a controllable AI programming assistant for engineers.

Cline

Core parameters and statistics

Cline is an open source autonomous coding agent, officially positioned as an assistant that "can autonomously complete complex software development tasks in your IDE." It runs as a VS Code extension. It can read and write project files, execute terminal commands, operate the browser, and works in a two-stage "Plan/Act" style, allowing the model to be planned first and then implemented.

Projects	Public Information
Official positioning	Autonomous programming agent running in IDE
Running state	VS Code extension, and CLI command line version
Working method	Plan/Act two-stage, each step requires manual confirmation
Model access	Bring your own key (BYOK), supports Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, local models, etc.
Tool extensions	Support Model Context Protocol (MCP) to access external tools
Key capabilities	Reading and writing files, executing commands, browser operations, terminal integration
Open Source License	Apache 2.0
Community size	GitHub about 63,000 stars, 6,600 forks
Latest version	v3.88.1 (2026-06-07, GitHub Releases)
Supported platforms	VS Code (Windows/macOS/Linux) + CLI

The value of controllability: The biggest difference between Cline and "black box automatic code writing" tools is that the process is transparent and controllable - each step requires the user to confirm which file to change and which command to run, and a diff will be displayed. This allows developers to take advantage of autonomous capabilities without worrying about out-of-control modifications.

Two-stage value: Plan mode allows the model to read the code and give a plan first, and Act mode only takes action. This "think first, do it later" split reduces the risk of making direct changes in a complex code base and makes it easier to correct course before execution.

Model Neutral: Cline adopts the BYOK model and does not come with a closed model. Users use their own Anthropic, OpenAI, Google or local model keys, and the fees are paid directly to the model manufacturer. There is no price increase for the tool itself.

User and market recognition

Cline's recognition is mainly reflected in the popularity of open source and adoption by the developer community. The project itself is free and billed on a BYOK basis.

Community size: GitHub repository cline/cline publicly shows about 63,000 stars and 6,600 forks, ranking first in the "AI programming assistant/programming agent" segment. The high star number indicates that it has received widespread attention and practical use among professional developer groups.

Ecological adoption: Cline has long been at the forefront of AI programming in the VS Code extension market, and has access to a large number of external tools through the MCP ecosystem. The project also recently launched Cline SDK and CLI, extending the capabilities of the agent from the editor to customized workflows and terminals.

Prerequisites: Cline is intended for developers with certain experience. Before use, you need to configure the model key and understand its operating boundaries in the code base. Its effect is strongly related to the selected model. When paired with a model with stronger capabilities, the degree of autonomous completion is higher, but the corresponding token cost is also higher.

Cost advantage

• C-side/Individual: Usually a free version is provided to experience the core functions, and high-frequency use requires a paid package subscription.
• API/Developer: Billed by call volume, suitable for development teams that can be flexibly integrated into their own systems.
• Enterprise/Privatized: Contact the business owner for customized quotation and deployment plan. The specific price is subject to the official real-time pricing page.

Main functions

Cline's capabilities are organized around "controllable and autonomous completion of coding tasks within the IDE":

• File reading and writing and diff confirmation: Create and modify project files independently. All changes are presented in diff form and require confirmation.
• Terminal command execution: Run commands (such as installing dependencies, running tests) in the integrated terminal, and read the output to make decisions based on it.
• Plan/Act two-stage: Plan the plan first and then execute it. For complex tasks, the direction can be corrected before execution.
• Browser operation: You can start the browser for interactive testing and web page information acquisition.
• MCP Tool Extension: Access external tools and data sources through the Model Context Protocol to expand the boundaries of the agent's capabilities.

Model and version evolution

Cline is released frequently with VS Code extension as the main line, and a new CLI form is added.

Mainline release

The latest version of the extension is v3.88.1 (2026-06-07), following v3.88.0 (2026-06-05). The 3.88 series iterative independent programming process and model supplier support are in an active pace of small steps and fast running.

Form expansion

In addition to editor extensions, Cline has launched independent CLI versions (such as cli-v3.0.21, 2026-06-09) and Cline SDK, extending the "planning/execution" agent capabilities from VS Code to the command line and custom automation scenarios. This multi-modal evolution of "editor + CLI + SDK" enables Cline to not only serve interactive coding, but also be embedded in CI or scripted workflows.

Technical advantages

Cline's technical advantages can be explained by the chain of "mechanism-effect-scene".

Mechanism: Plan/Act two-stage. Explicitly separate "planning" and "execution". The effect is that the model exposes the plan before starting work, which facilitates correction and reduces the risk of mistaken changes in large code bases. The applicable scenario is engineering tasks with complex structures and wide-ranging changes.

Mechanism: Manual confirmation + visual diff at each step. All file changes and command execution require confirmation. The effect is to reduce the risk of out-of-control autonomous agents to an acceptable range, which is suitable for teams with high requirements for code security and auditability.

Mechanism: BYOK + MCP extension. Both models and tools are pluggable. The effect is that users can freely select models according to cost and ability, and access any external tools through MCP, which is suitable for developers who need to connect intelligent agents to existing tool chains.

How to use

Cline is for developers, and the main entrance is as follows:

• VS Code Extension: Search for Cline installation in the extension market. After configuring the model API key, you can talk and issue coding tasks in the sidebar.
• CLI command line: Install Cline CLI to use agent capabilities for terminal and scripted scenarios.
• Basic process: Describe the task → View the model solution in Plan mode → After confirmation, switch to Act mode to execute step by step → Confirm each file change and command → Verify the test results.

When implementing, you need to pay attention to model selection and change scope control: more capable models have higher autonomous completion rates but are also more expensive; for large warehouses, it is recommended to break down the tasks and converge the change scope through Plan mode.

Product Pricing

The pricing model is subject to the official real-time page. Usually a freemium or subscription system is adopted. Basic functions can be used for free, while advanced functions or high-frequency use require paid subscriptions. It is recommended that users evaluate the optimal solution based on actual usage.

Application scenarios

• Complex function development and refactoring: Implement new functions or perform cross-file refactoring in the existing code base. The focus of verification is whether the plan in the Plan phase is accurate and whether the changes are controllable.
• Automated debugging and testing: Let the agent run tests, read error reports and repair them independently. The focus of verification is the correct interpretation of command execution results.
• Scripting and Toolchain Integration: Use CLI/SDK to connect the agent to the custom automation process. The focus of verification is boundary control in unattended scenarios.

Applicable people

• Professional Software Engineer: Hope to use controllable autonomous agents to accelerate function development and reconstruction, while retaining the right to review every step of the change.
• Teams that value data control: Prefer BYOK, local models can be connected, and code is not sent out to closed services.
• Toolchain Developer: It is necessary to integrate the programming agent into the existing R&D process through MCP/SDK.

Unsuitable boundaries: Cline is aimed at users with engineering experience, and is not suitable for non-technical users who do not understand the code at all and expect to "make a finished product in one sentence"; there are also risks in allowing independent execution in projects without testing and version control protection, and should be used in conjunction with diff confirmation and Git.

Summary and Outlook

It provides competitive solutions in its field, and its core value lies in lowering the threshold for AI use in this field.

Current limitations: Some advanced features require paid subscription, and the free version has function or usage restrictions; specific technical details and performance benchmarks have not yet been fully disclosed.

Related tools: github-copilot, cursor

Comparison of competing products

Comparison dimension	Cline	Competitor A	Competitor B
Core Differences	—	—	—
Price	—	—	—
Target Users	—	—	—

Note: The above comparison is based on product public information, and actual differences are based on user experience.

Version Info

• Cline v3.88.1 ：The latest expanded version released by GitHub Releases continues the main line of two-stage independent programming of planning/execution, and continues to improve the model access to MCP tools and the interactive experience in the editor. （2026-06-07）
• Cline v3.88.0 ：3.88 mainline version node, iterative independent programming process and model supplier support. （2026-06-05）
• Cline CLI v3.0.21 ：The iterative release of the Cline CLI command line version extends the agent capabilities in the editor to the terminal environment. （2026-06-09）