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Cline
Open SourceSelf-hostableAn autonomous coding agent inside VS Code.
4.747K starsAlternative to Claude Code, GitHub Copilot
Overview
Cline is a free, open-source tool and a self-hostable alternative to Claude Code, GitHub Copilot. It's licensed under Apache 2.0 and written in TypeScript.
Cline is an open-source AI coding agent for VS Code that plans before it acts, edits across files, runs terminal commands, and uses MCP tools — all with your own API keys and full transparency. A capable, no-lock-in alternative to Claude Code and Copilot.
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Why pick Cline over Claude Code
- Own your data instead of trusting Claude Code's servers
- No per-seat pricing — grow without ballooning costs
- Cline is open source: audit it, fork it, extend it
- Self-host for full privacy and compliance control
Key features
- Plan Mode reviews changes before they're applied
- Edits files and runs commands autonomously
- Model Context Protocol (MCP) tool integration
- Bring your own keys — no vendor lock-in
- Works with frontier and local models
Pros & cons
Screenshots
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Installation
Install in VS Code
- Open the Extensions panel in VS Code
- Search for "Cline" and install it
- Add your model provider API key, then start a task
Frequently asked questions
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