Cline

Open-source AI coding agent with client-side execution and zero cloud dependency.

Ranked #3 in Open-source AI coding agents, and on 1 more ranking.

Cline is an open-source, client-side AI coding agent that brings your own API keys. Code never leaves the developer's machine, offering maximum transparency, security, and control over the models used.

Official website

At a glance

Price from	Free
Best for	Developers valuing security, transparency, and model control

From Cline's own website.

Company facts

Brand colour

#1e2327

Facilities and features

Its website also mentions:

Published pricing
Self-serve sign-up
API
Integrations

What stands out

Cline edits code across your entire project structure.

“Cline reads your project structure, understands the relationships between files, and makes coordinated changes across your codebase.”Cline, own website

The AI tool works with every major AI model provider.

“Cline is not locked to a single AI provider.”Cline, own website

Worth knowing

Cline does not open-source its JetBrains plugins.

“Currently we are not open-sourcing JetBrains plugins”Cline, own website

How it ranks

Cline is ranked 3rd of 10 in Open-source AI coding agents (Lister Score 88.0) and 5th of 10 in Best AI coding agents (Lister Score 90.0).

#3 in Open-source AI coding agents · Lister Score 88.0

Cline is an autonomous coding agent available as an SDK, IDE extension, or CLI assistant.

The AI tool works with every major AI model provider.

How the score is made up: fit to this ranking's criteria 40; evidence on its own site 20; how complete its published information is 16; buying information on its own site 12.

“Autonomous coding agent as an SDK, IDE extension, or CLI assistant.”Cline, own website

“The open source coding agent in your IDE, terminal, & desktop.”Cline, own website

Rank	Open-source AI coding agents	Score
1	Hyperlambda	94.0
2	OpenHands	90.0
3	Cline	88.0
4	Kilo	88.0
5	Holbox.ai	84.0
6	Cline Bot	82.0
7	Tabby	82.0
8	Void	82.0
9	Serenade	80.0
10	Kodely	72.0

#5 in Best AI coding agents · Lister Score 90.0

Cline is an AI tool. It says it is built for developers seeking autonomous coding assistance.

Requires human approval for every edit and command.

How the score is made up: fit to this ranking's criteria 40; evidence on its own site 20; how complete its published information is 18; buying information on its own site 12.