Cline.
Choose the model. Work on your code.
Cline is a coding agent you can use in an editor or terminal. It reads a project, proposes changes and uses tools with your approval. You choose the model provider, including supported local-model routes.
Good for
When you want control over the model and tools behind your coding agent.
Start with
A supported editor or terminal, a project and a configured model provider. A local model also needs suitable hardware and setup.
Cost
The Apache-2.0 client is free for individuals; model inference and hosting can cost money. Bring a supported provider account or API key, use a compatible local runtime, or choose optional ClinePass at $9.99/month with usage limits.
Try something small.
- Explain a small project before changing it
- Fix one bug and review the diff
- Try a compatible hosted or local model
Getting started.
Install Cline from its official guide in a supported editor, choose a model provider and open a small project. Keep approvals on and start with an explanation before allowing edits or commands.
Free software does not mean free model usage. ClinePass has five-hour, weekly and monthly limits and a changing model list. A local route is not proof every model on our Models page fits your laptop. Review edits and command approvals.
Use a model for a small coding task
A model needs an app to work in. Cline is one documented route from a chosen model to a reviewable project task.
Start with a harmless project
Install Cline using the official guide, then open a copy or a new folder with a small text file. Keep tool approvals enabled.
Choose how the model runs
For hosted inference, configure a supported provider and check its rate and spending controls. For local inference, use a documented runtime such as Ollama or LM Studio and a compatible model that fits your hardware.
Connect that provider in Cline
Select the matching API Provider in Cline settings. For a local server, follow the runtime’s base-URL and model-selection instructions. Do not assume a ChatGPT or Claude web subscription pays for API calls.
Ask for an explanation, then inspect it
Use the prompt below. Check the explanation against the files before asking for one small edit. Inspect the diff and run the project’s existing checks.
Try this task
- You’ll need
- Cline with a configured provider and a harmless project folder.
- Our starter prompt
Read this small project and explain what each file does. Do not edit files, run commands, install packages or access the network. Tell me what information is missing before proposing a change.
- What to expect
- An explanation to check against the files before making a change.
- How to check it is done
- Confirm the file descriptions against the project. No edits, commands or network activity should have happened.
This is an untested starter workflow. We have not installed Cline or run any model for this guide. Provider compatibility, local memory needs and actual cost must be checked for your setup.
Our suggested prompt, based on the linked source. We haven’t tested this task ourselves.
Source checked October 17, 2026.Checked 17 October 2026. Prices and access can change. Character art is our unofficial illustration.
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