Cline is an open-source, VS Code-native AI coding agent that autonomously reads codebases, edits files, runs terminal commands, and uses a browser to complete multi-step programming tasks from natural language. It supports any OpenAI-compatible API including Claude and local models, making it the leading autonomous alternative to autocomplete-only AI coding tools.
Open-source AI coding agent for VS Code that can create/edit files, run terminal commands, and use a browser autonomously.
What Is Cline AI?
Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that runs inside VS Code. Unlike autocomplete tools, Cline autonomously reads your entire codebase, creates and edits files, runs terminal commands, and uses a browser to complete multi-step coding tasks from a single natural language request. It supports any OpenAI-compatible model including Claude, GPT-4, and local models via Ollama.
Also see: Cursor · Claude Code
How to Install Cline in VS Code
- Open VS Code and go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)
- Search for 'Cline' and click Install
- Open the Cline sidebar and click the settings icon
- Add your API key (Claude, OpenAI, or local Ollama endpoint)
- Give Cline a task — it will ask for permission before each file change or terminal command
Heat Score
0–100 viral momentum index combining social buzz, search trends & growth velocity
74
14-day trend
+12
24h
+67
Heat Score Breakdown
Creator Buzz (30%)67
Search Interest (25%)62
Community Discussion (20%)19
Growth Momentum (25%)100
Forecast
Stable
low confidence
Now
74
→
+7 days
20
→
+14 days
20
A.R.C. Score
A.R.C. ratings are calculated for developer infrastructure and API-first tools. This tool hasn't been evaluated yet or falls outside the A.R.C. scope.
🔓Data Lock-In Index
33/ 100
Lower = more portable. 0 = fully open, 100 = maximum lock-in.
✗ Webhooks Out✓ Bulk Export✓ Open Formats
Pricing
freemium
Best For
Teams & Solo
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