How to Use Cline to Code with AI Inside VS Code

Cline is an open-source coding agent that lives inside VS Code and can plan, edit files, run terminal commands, and use the browser. This tutorial shows you how to install Cline, choose a model, and complete a real task step by step.

What Is Cline?

Cline turns your editor into an agentic workspace. It reads your project, proposes a plan, writes diffs you approve, and executes commands in your terminal with explicit permission for each step. Because it is open source, you can bring your own API keys or local models.

How to Use Cline: Step by Step

1. Install the extension

Open the VS Code extensions panel and install Cline from the marketplace. The sidebar panel appears once installation completes.

2. Configure a model provider

Open Cline settings and enter an API key for a supported provider, or point it at a local server. You can switch models per task to balance cost and capability.

3. Open your project

With your codebase open in VS Code, Cline automatically indexes relevant context. Use the chat panel to describe your goal in plain English.

4. Approve a plan

For larger tasks, ask Cline to plan first. Review the proposed steps and adjust before any files are touched, keeping you in control.

5. Review file diffs

Cline shows every edit as a diff. Approve or reject each change so nothing lands in your code accidentally.

6. Run commands with permission

When Cline needs to install a package or run tests, it asks before executing. Commands run in your integrated terminal so you can watch the output.

7. Use the browser tool

For front-end work, let Cline open a headless browser, click through the UI, and screenshot results — useful for verifying that a fix actually works.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Cline

• Keep tasks focused; Cline performs best on one clearly defined change at a time.
• Use a strong coding model for complex refactors and a cheaper one for boilerplate.
• Review diffs carefully — auto-approve saves time but reduces oversight.
• Commit often so you can roll back an agent edit that misbehaves.

Final Thoughts

Cline removes the friction between an idea and a working result, whether you are automating research, writing code, or orchestrating multi-step AI workflows. Start with a small, concrete task, review every step the agent takes, and expand from there. With the workflow above you can go from installation to a finished, verified result in a single session.