# Cline — VS Code Autonomous AI Coding Extension

> 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

Copy the content below into your project:

## 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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## Quick Start

Search "Cline" in the VS Code Extensions marketplace, install, then set your API key to get started.

## 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, run terminal commands, use MCP servers, and browse the web — with your approval at each step.

**In one sentence**: Cline is an autonomous AI coding agent in VS Code supporting file operations, terminal commands, and MCP servers, with 100k+ installs and 30k+ GitHub stars.

**For**: Developers who want a full-featured AI agent inside their IDE. **Supported models**: Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini, DeepSeek, Ollama.

## Core Features

### 1. File Operations
Create and edit files — each change is shown as a diff for approval.

### 2. Terminal Integration
Run commands directly in the VS Code terminal, read output, and auto-fix errors.

### 3. MCP Server Support
Extend capabilities by connecting any MCP server.

### 4. Browser Integration
Launch a browser, take screenshots, and interact for testing.

### 5. Multi-Model Support
Full coverage of Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, local models, and gateways.

## FAQ

**Q: How does it compare to Claude Code?**
A: Cline is a native VS Code GUI; Claude Code is a terminal CLI. They're complementary — many developers use both.

**Q: Is it free?**
A: The extension is free and open source; LLM API calls are pay-as-you-go (bring your own API key).

## Source & Thanks

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

---
Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/cline-autonomous-ai-coding-agent-vs-code-321aee3b
Author: Cline