Cline

Open SourceApache-2.0Self-hostable

The agentic AI coding assistant for VS Code and the CLI — plans, makes multi-file edits and runs commands with your approval at each step. A transparent Claude Code and Cursor alternative.

Open source alternative to

Claude Code

Cursor

Visit Cline View source

About Cline

Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that lives inside VS Code and also runs from the CLI, planning a task and then making multi-file edits and running terminal commands — asking for your approval at each step. That human-in-the-loop design is why so many developers trust it for real work.

You bring your own API key and model, so you're never tied to one vendor and you can see exactly what the agent proposes before it acts. It reads your project, creates and edits files, runs builds and tests, and shows you every diff.

It's Apache-2.0 licensed with an enormous and fast-growing community, and it's become the reference open alternative to Claude Code and Cursor for people who want agentic power without a black box.

Key features

Plan then act — Cline proposes a plan and each edit or command, waiting for your approval before it runs.
Multi-file edits & commands — Creates and edits files, runs builds and tests, and iterates inside VS Code or the CLI.
Bring your own model — Use Anthropic, OpenAI, local models and more — you supply the key and pick the model.
Transparent by design — Every change and command is shown as a diff you can review before it happens.

The honest read

What we like

Human-in-the-loop — approve every edit and command
Powerful multi-file, agentic workflows in VS Code
Bring your own key and model — no lock-in
Apache-2.0 licensed with a massive community
Fully transparent diffs and actions

Worth knowing

You pay for your own model usage, which can add up
Approving each step is safer but slower than full autonomy
Primarily tied to the VS Code ecosystem
Best results need a strong (often premium) model

FAQ

Is Cline free to use?

Yes — Cline is free and open source under the Apache-2.0 license. You only pay for whichever model provider you connect.

How is Cline different from Cursor?

Cline is open source and works as an extension in standard VS Code with your own key, while Cursor is a closed, paid editor fork with bundled model access.

Does Cline edit multiple files and run commands?

Yes — Cline plans a task, makes multi-file edits and runs terminal commands, asking for your approval at each step.

Which models can I use with Cline?

You can bring your own key for Anthropic, OpenAI, local models and more, choosing the best fit for each task.

Is Cline safe to use on real projects?

Cline shows every diff and command for approval before acting, so you stay in control of what changes.