Cline is an open source coding agent delivered as a VS Code extension, JetBrains plugin, CLI, desktop app, and SDK. It works with any model provider and is extensible via plugins and MCP servers.
Project overview
The same agent engine ships across SDK, CLI, desktop app, VS Code extension, and JetBrains plugin, and it is not locked to a single AI provider — supporting cloud providers, gateways, and fully local models.
Project type
MCP · AI Agent · AI Coding
Use cases
Coding & Development · Automation
Deployment
Refer to project documentation
License
Apache-2.0
Best for
Developers who want an autonomous coding agent that plans, edits code, runs commands, and automates workflows directly inside their IDE, terminal, or desktop.
AI engineers building custom agents and integrations via a Node.js SDK.
Key capabilities
AI coding assistant in the editor that creates files, runs commands, browses the web, and uses tools with human-in-the-loop approval.
Interactive chat in the terminal or fully headless for CI/CD and scripting with JSON output.
Native macOS and Windows app to run agent sessions in any folder, schedule routines, and manage models, plugins, and MCP servers.
Node.js SDK to build custom AI agents and integrations with custom tools, multi-agent teams, connectors, and scheduled automations.
Executes bash commands in the terminal, watches output in real time, and reacts to new output from long-running processes.
Register tools and lifecycle hooks via the SDK plugin system, or connect MCP servers for databases, APIs, and cloud infrastructure.
Limitations and risks
The JetBrains plugin is a closed client talking to the shared agent core.
Choosing an AI model provider or local model runtime is required for Cline to work.
A model provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, OpenRouter, Bedrock, Azure/GCP Vertex, etc.) or a local model runtime (Ollama / LM Studio) supplies the AI model; any OpenAI-compatible API endpoint is also supported. Cloud model providers may be paid services.
Getting started
Install with npm i -g cline, then try: cline "Run tests and fix any failures". The desktop app is available as prebuilt downloads for macOS and Windows, and IDE extensions are installable from marketplaces.
Evidence and sources
README: The open source coding agent in your IDE, terminal, & desktop.
README: Run Cline in your terminal. Interactive chat or fully headless for CI/CD and scripting. ``` npm i -g cline ```
README: Cline as a native app for macOS and Windows. Run agent sessions in any folder, schedule routines, and manage models, plugins, and MCP servers.
README: AI coding assistant in your editor. Create files, run commands, browse the web, and use tools with human-in-the-loop approval.
README: The same Cline experience in IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, GoLand, and the rest of the JetBrains family.