Cline
A free, open-source AI coding agent embedded in VS Code and JetBrains. It plans changes, edits files and runs commands with explicit per-change approval, and works with any model including local ones via Ollama or LM Studio.
✅ Our verdict
Cline is the best open-source agent for developers who want the AI inside their editor with full control — approving each edit and command. Pick it over OpenCode if you prefer VS Code/JetBrains and explicit, reviewable changes over a terminal workflow.
👍 Pros
- +Embedded in VS Code & JetBrains
- +Explicit approval for every change
- +Any model (Claude, GPT, Gemini, local)
- +Free and Apache-2.0 licensed
- +Plan/Act modes for control
👎 Cons
- −You pay underlying model API costs
- −Can be token-hungry on big tasks
- −Less autonomous than cloud agents
- −Setup needed for local models
🎯 Use cases
ℹ️ Key facts
Last updated: Jun 2026
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A free, open-source AI coding agent embedded in VS Code and JetBrains. It plans changes, edits files and runs commands with explicit per-change approval, and works with any model including local ones via Ollama or LM Studio.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cline free?
Yes, Cline is completely free to use, with no paid plan required to access its core features.
What is Cline used for?
Cline is an AI coding tool. A free, open-source AI coding agent embedded in VS Code and JetBrains. It plans changes, edits files and runs commands with explicit per-change approval, and works with any model including local ones via Ollama or LM Studio. It currently holds a 4.7/5 rating on Aiverse from real users.
Is Cline worth it in 2026?
Yes — Cline holds a strong 4.7/5 rating on Aiverse, making it one of the top-rated coding tools in 2026. It's a solid pick if it matches your use case.