Coding and CLI agents · ranked 02
Cline
Also known as Claude Dev
Open-source coding agent inside VS Code. Bring your own model.
Best for An agent inside stock VS Code
Cline is an open-source coding agent for VS Code, originally known as Claude Dev. It plans a task, edits files, and runs commands in the editor, using an API key you supply. It is the pick when you want an agent in stock VS Code and you do not want a paid editor wrapper.
Best use cases
- Multi-file edits without leaving VS Code
- Bringing your own Anthropic, OpenAI, or local model key
- Watching each command the agent wants to run
Pros
- + Open source and free
- + Stays in VS Code
- + You approve commands, which makes the loop visible
Cons
- − Setup means API keys and a model choice
- − You are still in VS Code, which some people are trying to leave
Pricing
Open source and free. Model usage is billed by your provider. Rates: check site.
Alternatives
AI code editors
7.1
Continue
Open-source autopilot for VS Code and JetBrains. Bring your own model.
Best for Owning the extension and choosing the model
Coding and CLI agents
8.3
Claude Code
Anthropic's coding agent for the terminal and supported editors.
Best for Repo-sized edits from the terminal
AI code editors
8.6
Cursor
AI editor on a VS Code fork, with tab, inline edit, and an agent.
Best for Daily driving an AI editor on a real repo