Open source autonomous coding agent
4.5 Bottom line: Cline is a top-tier coding tool, best known for autonomous file edits and command execution with approvals. It has a free plan.
Cline is an open-source AI coding agent that runs as a sidebar in VS Code and other editors, executing tasks across your files. It reads code, makes edits, runs commands, and asks for approval at each step so you stay in control. The tool is free, and you pay only for model usage with your own API keys.
| Tool | Rating | Free | From | Best known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cline (this tool) | 4.5 | Yes | Free | Autonomous file edits and command execution with approvals |
 Cursor | 4.7 | Yes | $20/mo | Codebase-aware chat |
 GitHub Copilot | 4.6 | Yes | $10/mo | Inline code suggestions |
| Aider | 4.6 | Yes | Free | Terminal-based editing with automatic git commits per change |
Cline is an excellent coding tool, best known for autonomous file edits and command execution with approvals. It offers a free plan.
What makes it different: Cline stands out for autonomous file edits and command execution with approvals.
