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Coding assistants

Cline

An AI coding helper that edits files and runs commands in your code editor, terminal or desktop app.

What it does

Cline is a coding agent, an AI helper that can do programming tasks for you, not just answer questions. It reads your project, makes changes across many files, runs terminal commands, and watches for errors as it works. In editors like VS Code, each change appears as a before-and-after view you can accept, edit or undo.

It has a Plan mode, where it looks at your code, asks questions and suggests a strategy, and an Act mode, where it carries out the plan. By default you approve every file edit and command, but you can let it run on its own. You can also write project rules that guide how it works.

Cline works with many AI providers, including Anthropic, OpenAI and Google, or with models running on your own computer through tools like Ollama and LM Studio. It comes as a VS Code extension, a terminal tool, a desktop app for Mac and Windows, and a kit (SDK) for developers who want to build their own agents. It can also run on a schedule or be chatted with from apps like Slack or Telegram.

Who it's for

Programmers who want an AI assistant that can write and change code in their projects while they stay in control.

Can I use it without coding?

With some setup. You can install it as an editor extension or desktop app, but it is meant for working on code and needs an AI model to be set up. New to this? Start here.

Can I run it?

Cost
Free, but needs an AI accountThe software is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic), which usually charges for use.
Runs on
Mac, Windows, Linux
Computer
An ordinary computer is fine
Privacy
Your choice: run it on your device or use an online service

Try it

  1. Install the Cline extension from the VS Code Marketplace, or download the desktop app for Mac or Windows.
  2. Choose an AI provider, such as Anthropic, OpenAI, or a local model through Ollama or LM Studio.
  3. Open a project folder and describe the coding task you want Cline to do, then review and approve its changes.

Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?

Before you install

  • Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
  • Plain-AyI is an independent guide and doesn't host or review the software it lists. Please check each project's official page before installing.
  • License (Apache-2.0): Permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
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