ClineOpen-source AI coding agent for VS Code with Plan/Act modes and terminal control

4.8 (5)

Reviewed by Daniel Nikulshyn·Updated May 2026

Open Source VS Code Coding Agent Developer Tools Multi-Model BYOK Local Models

Overview

Cline is an open-source AI coding assistant that runs as a VS Code extension and operates as an autonomous agent inside your editor. It can read and edit files across your project, execute terminal commands, and iterate on tasks while keeping the developer in the loop through explicit approval steps. Its dual-mode workflow separates thinking from doing: Plan mode lets you discuss approach and scope with the model before any changes are made, while Act mode carries out the agreed steps such as writing code, running scripts, or debugging output. Cline supports a wide range of model providers, including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and local options via Ollama, letting teams choose between hosted APIs and self-hosted setups. Because the source code is openly available, Cline appeals to developers who want transparency into how an AI agent interacts with their codebase, along with the flexibility to bring their own keys and audit each action.

Key features

VS Code extension integration
Plan and Act dual-mode workflow
Terminal command execution
Multi-file read and edit across projects
Support for Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, and local models
Step-by-step action approval

Pricing

Model: Free
Category: Programming Agents
Rating: 4.8 / 5 (5)

Use cases

Plan refactors before touching code

Use Plan mode to discuss a refactor approach with the model, review scope and files affected, then switch to Act mode to execute the changes with step-by-step approval.

Run and debug scripts in-editor

Let Cline execute terminal commands directly in VS Code to run tests or scripts, read the output, and iterate on fixes across multiple files without leaving the editor.

Use local models for private codebases

Connect Cline to Ollama to run an autonomous coding agent against local models, keeping proprietary code on-device instead of sending it to hosted APIs.

Multi-file feature implementation

Assign a feature task and let Cline read and edit across the project, proposing changes file-by-file with explicit approval gates to keep the developer in control.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Open source and transparent
Plan/Act split improves control
Works with many model providers
Executes terminal commands and edits files
Bring your own API key

Cons

Requires user approval can slow flow
Token costs can add up with large contexts
Quality depends on chosen model
Setup steeper than closed alternatives

Battle record

Across 1 battle in the Pantheon.

1st

2nd

3rd

Last battle

#2
Programming Agents Showdown — July 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026 · #2 of 5

Reviews

4.8

Average from 5 ratings.

Hiroshi Tanaka

May 17, 2026

Compared a few options

Evaluated this against two competitors. Where it wins: terminal command execution and bring your own API key. Where it lags: quality depends on chosen model. On balance the feature set — especially step-by-step action approval — justifies the 5 stars for our use case.

Wei Chen

Feb 3, 2026

Solid for our team

We rolled this out across the team last quarter and works with many model providers. Multi-file read and edit across projects fits neatly into how we already work, and vS Code extension integration removed a step we used to do by hand. Quality depends on chosen model, which is the main caveat, but it has held up under daily use.

Daniel Schmidt

Feb 1, 2026

Use it every day

Honestly didn't expect to like it this much. Support for Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, and local models is exactly what I needed, and works with many model providers. but I reach for it almost every day now and it just clicks.

Liam O’Connor

Nov 9, 2025

Does the job

Pretty happy overall. VS Code extension integration just works and works with many model providers. but no dealbreakers — I'd recommend it to a friend without hesitating.

Leila Hassan

Jul 3, 2025

Years in this space

I've evaluated a lot of these over the years. What stands out here is plan and Act dual-mode workflow — handled better than most — and executes terminal commands and edits files. Worth the time if this is your use case.

Q&A

Which AI models and providers does Cline support?

Cline supports multiple providers including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google Gemini, as well as local models via Ollama. You bring your own API key, so teams can choose between hosted APIs or self-hosted setups based on cost, privacy, or performance needs.

What are the main limitations or drawbacks to be aware of?

Setup is steeper than closed alternatives, and the required step-by-step approvals can slow your workflow. Token costs can add up with large project contexts, and overall output quality depends on the model provider you choose to connect.

How do Plan and Act modes work, and why use both?

Plan mode lets you discuss approach and scope with the model before any code changes occur, while Act mode executes the agreed steps such as editing files, running scripts, or debugging. The split separates thinking from doing, giving developers more control over what the agent actually changes.