Get Started
1
Install Cline
Add Cline to VS Code, Cursor, or JetBrains from the extension marketplace.Install Guide →
2
Pick Your Model
Connect your API key from Anthropic, OpenRouter, or any supported provider.Model Setup →
3
Start Building
Open Cline from the sidebar and describe what you want to build.Your First Project →
What Cline Can Do
Cline operates directly in your codebase with your permission:- Read and write files - Navigate your codebase, create new files, and make targeted edits. You approve every change before it happens.
- Run terminal commands - Execute shell commands, run tests, install packages, and debug errors in real-time.
- Use a browser - Launch a browser to test web apps, capture screenshots, and interact with pages.
- Connect external tools - Extend capabilities with MCP servers for databases, APIs, and documentation.
- Run from the command line - Use the Cline CLI for headless automation, CI/CD pipelines, and shell workflows.
Core Workflows
These are the patterns you’ll use daily with Cline:| Workflow | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Plan & Act | Think first, then build. Plan mode explores your codebase without making changes. Act mode implements the solution. |
| Task Management | Start tasks, resume previous work, and manage long-running sessions. |
| Working with Files | Use @ mentions to reference files, folders, URLs, and terminal output in your prompts. |
| Commands | Keyboard shortcuts, slash commands, and terminal integration. |
| Checkpoints | Automatic snapshots of your project. Restore to any previous state instantly. |
Why Cline
- Transparent by default - Watch every file read, every decision considered, every token used. No black box.
- Any model, any provider - Use Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, DeepSeek, or local models. Switch instantly as new models launch.
- Zero trust architecture - Your code never touches our servers. Cline runs entirely client-side with your API keys.
- Open source - Every line of code on GitHub. 50k+ stars from developers who use it daily.