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Cline

The premier open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code, powered by deep MCP toolchain support.

9.8/ 10.0Editorial Rating
Editorial score based on public benchmarks and community feedback — not a third-party benchmark result

Compiled through 2026-09

Cline visual
Limited in ChinaFree / openOpen sourceSelf-hostableCodingAutonomous agentLow costCompare

Open-source extension, bring your own key — pair it with a China-accessible API

Vendor
Open Source / Cline
Started
2024
China availability
Limited in ChinaReachable but constrained: may need your own API key, an invite, or unstable routing
Pricing tier
Free / open
Current flagship
Cline v3.x (Native MCP Support)
Website
github.com/cline/cline

Evaluation, Pros & Cons

Editorial score based on public benchmarks and community feedback — not a third-party benchmark result

Key Advantages

  • 100% open-source with first-class Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration
  • Connect to any model API (Claude, DeepSeek, OpenAI, Ollama) with transparent cost tracking

Limitations & Caveats

  • Runs locally on host system; requires user vigilance when approving destructive commands

Overview

Cline (formerly Claude Dev) is an autonomous coding agent for VS Code. Unlike passive autocomplete tools, Cline plans tasks, reads/edits files, executes terminal commands, and uses browsers with human approval. Its native MCP support allows endless customization with external databases and tools.

Direction

Expanding auto-discovery for MCP servers, multi-role sub-agent orchestration, and prompt optimizations for local open-weights models.

Version history

  1. Mar 2026

    Latest

    Cline 3.0

    Multi-mode workflows and team config sharing.

    View details

    New capabilities

    • Cline 3.0 multi-mode workflows (Architect / Code / Ask)
    • Team-level MCP configuration bundles and permission sandboxes

    What got stronger

    • Prevents accidental code modifications during architecture deliberation
    • Optimized prompts for open-weights models, lowering local inference costs

    Version notes

    Cline 3.0 introduced dedicated modes: developers refine designs in Architect mode before handing off to Code mode for autonomous execution, balancing safety and speed.

    #2026-03-cline-3-0

  2. Nov 2024

    Renamed Cline & MCP support

    Embraced Model Context Protocol for tool extensions.

    View details

    New capabilities

    • Native Model Context Protocol (MCP) integration
    • Connects to any OpenAI/Anthropic-compatible API endpoint

    What got stronger

    • 100% open source; full local control over filesystem and shell execution
    • Infinitely extensible with external tools, databases, and APIs

    Version notes

    Rebranding as Cline and embracing MCP was a watershed moment. It turned VS Code into an agent workspace capable of orchestrating external tools, gaining immense viral traction across developer communities.

    #2024-11-renamed-cline-mcp-support

  3. Aug 2024

    Claude Dev initial release

    Autonomous loop with terminal and file tools.

Cline — Overview, Direction & Version Timeline - AgentHub