# Cline — Autonomous AI Coding Agent for VS Code

> Autonomous AI coding agent that lives in VS Code. Cline creates files, runs commands, uses MCP servers, and handles multi-step tasks with Claude or GPT models.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

## Quick Use

Install from VS Code Marketplace:
1. Open VS Code → Extensions → Search "Cline"
2. Install and set your API key (Anthropic, OpenAI, or OpenRouter)
3. Open Cline sidebar and start chatting

## What is Cline?

Cline is an autonomous AI coding agent that runs inside VS Code. Unlike simple code completion tools, Cline can create and edit files, execute terminal commands, use MCP servers, and browse the web — all with step-by-step approval so you stay in control.

**Answer-Ready**: Cline is an autonomous AI coding agent for VS Code that creates files, runs terminal commands, uses MCP servers, and handles multi-step development tasks with Claude, GPT, or local models. 100k+ installs and 30k+ GitHub stars.

**Best for**: Developers who want an AI agent embedded in their IDE with full tool access. **Works with**: Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini, DeepSeek, Ollama. **Setup time**: Under 2 minutes.

## Core Features

### 1. File Operations
Cline reads, creates, and edits files with diffs shown for your approval:

```
You: "Create a REST API with Express and add tests"
Cline: Creates src/app.js, src/routes/, tests/ — each change shown for approval
```

### 2. Terminal Integration
Runs commands directly in VS Code terminal:

```
You: "Install dependencies and run the tests"
Cline: npm install → npm test → reads output → fixes failures
```

### 3. MCP Server Support
Connect Cline to any MCP server for extended capabilities:

```json
// ~/Library/Application Support/Code/User/globalStorage/cline/mcp_settings.json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"]
    }
  }
}
```

### 4. Browser Integration
Cline can launch a browser, take screenshots, and interact with web pages for testing and debugging.

### 5. Multi-Model Support

| Provider | Models |
|----------|--------|
| Anthropic | Claude Sonnet, Opus |
| OpenAI | GPT-4o, o1 |
| Google | Gemini 2.5 Pro |
| Local | Ollama, LM Studio |
| Gateway | OpenRouter, AWS Bedrock |

### 6. Custom Instructions
Set project-specific instructions in `.clinerules`:

```
Always use TypeScript strict mode.
Follow the existing project patterns.
Run tests after every code change.
```

## FAQ

**Q: How does Cline compare to Claude Code?**
A: Cline is VS Code-native with a GUI sidebar. Claude Code is a terminal CLI. Cline shows visual diffs; Claude Code excels at complex multi-tool workflows. Many developers use both.

**Q: Is Cline free?**
A: The extension is free and open-source. You pay for the LLM API calls (bring your own API key).

**Q: Can it handle large projects?**
A: Yes, Cline indexes your workspace and selectively reads relevant files to stay within context limits.

## Source & Thanks

> Created by [Cline Team](https://github.com/cline). Licensed under Apache 2.0.
>
> [cline/cline](https://github.com/cline/cline) — 30k+ stars

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## 快速使用

VS Code 扩展商店搜索 "Cline"，安装后设置 API Key 即可使用。

## 什么是 Cline？

Cline 是运行在 VS Code 内的自主 AI 编码代理。不同于简单的代码补全工具，Cline 可以创建编辑文件、执行终端命令、使用 MCP 服务器和浏览网页——每一步都需要你的批准。

**一句话总结**：Cline 是 VS Code 内的自主 AI 编码代理，支持文件操作、终端命令、MCP 服务器，10 万+ 安装量，3 万+ GitHub stars。

**适合人群**：希望在 IDE 内使用全能 AI 代理的开发者。**支持模型**：Claude、GPT-4o、Gemini、DeepSeek、Ollama。

## 核心功能

### 1. 文件操作
创建、编辑文件，每次修改以 diff 形式展示供审批。

### 2. 终端集成
直接在 VS Code 终端运行命令，读取输出并自动修复错误。

### 3. MCP 服务器支持
连接任意 MCP 服务器扩展能力。

### 4. 浏览器集成
启动浏览器、截图、交互测试。

### 5. 多模型支持
Anthropic、OpenAI、Google、本地模型、网关全覆盖。

## 常见问题

**Q: 和 Claude Code 比较？**
A: Cline 是 VS Code 原生 GUI，Claude Code 是终端 CLI。两者互补，很多开发者同时使用。

**Q: 免费吗？**
A: 扩展免费开源，LLM API 调用按量付费（自带 API Key）。

## 来源与致谢

> [cline/cline](https://github.com/cline/cline) — 30k+ stars, Apache 2.0

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/321aee3b-2292-49c2-968b-310d459bdaa0
Author: Agent Toolkit