Editorial note: AI coding plans, quotas, model access, and product features change frequently. Verify current details directly before subscribing or deploying.
Overview
Cline is an open-source coding agent that works inside supported development environments to inspect projects, plan changes, edit files, run terminal commands, use browser tools, and connect external capabilities through MCP.
Best for
Developers who want a transparent, model-flexible coding agent with strong terminal, browser, and MCP capabilities
Key features
- Plan and Act modes
- Multi-file editing
- Terminal execution
- Browser automation
- MCP integrations
- Bring-your-own-model support
Pricing
Cline is free for individual developers, while users generally pay model-inference costs or connect their own provider keys. Enterprise offerings use separate terms. Verify current details directly.
Check current official pricing
Pros
- Open-source core
- Broad model flexibility
- Powerful tool use
- Transparent workflow
Cons and cautions
- Inference costs can vary widely
- Requires careful permission review
- May consume many tokens
- Generated changes require testing
Frequently asked questions
Is Cline free?
Cline is free for individual developers, while model inference is generally paid separately or supplied through your own provider.
What can Cline do?
It can inspect code, edit files, run commands, use browser tools, and connect MCP services.
Should Cline changes be reviewed?
Yes. All generated code and terminal actions should be reviewed and tested.
Before you choose
- Verify current pricing and model limits
- Review repository privacy and data-retention policies
- Test the tool on a noncritical project first
- Review every generated change and terminal action
- Compare at least one alternative
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