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Cline

AI & Coding Tools

Free (open source), you pay for the AI API you choose

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Open-source VS Code extension that acts as an autonomous coding agent. Bring your own AI model

Cline is a VS Code extension that turns your editor into an AI coding agent. Pick your AI model (Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, local models through Ollama), give it a task, and it will plan, write code, run commands, and iterate. It asks for permission before each action, so you stay in control.

The big advantage over Cursor is flexibility and transparency. You see exactly what you are paying (API costs per request), you can switch models anytime, and there is no subscription. The big disadvantage is that you have to manage all of that yourself. If you want something that just works out of the box, Cursor is easier. If you want to pick your own model and only pay for what you use, Cline is the way.

Best for Developers who want an open-source coding agent in VS Code and choose their own AI model

Plans

PlanPriceIncludes
Open Source$0VS Code extension and CLI; pay for AI inference at cost or bring your own key
EnterpriseCustomAdds JetBrains extension, SSO, team management and centralized billing

Prices checked on the vendor's page

Pros

  • Use any AI model (Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, local models): you control the cost
  • Can browse the web, run terminal commands, create files, and edit code autonomously
  • Free and open source: no subscription, just API costs

Cons

  • API costs are on you and can surprise you if you are not watching
  • Setup takes more work than commercial alternatives: API keys, model selection, configuration
  • Quality depends entirely on which AI model you pick

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