The outcome
Learn the interaction loop using a small task with a clear outcome.
Cline is a open-source agentic coding assistant for editors and terminals. Planning, implementing, testing, and reviewing multi-file software changes with visible tool use and configurable approvals. This guide narrows that broad capability into one repeatable outcome, with checkpoints that keep the source material and your judgment in the loop.
Before you begin
Set the boundary before the tool starts.
Choose one real task, identify who will use the result, and decide what evidence or test will make the result acceptable. Gather only the source material needed for that task. If the work contains confidential, personal, regulated, or client-owned information, confirm that the platform and account are approved before sharing it.
AI should make the work easier to inspect. If the workflow removes the source, the owner, or the review step, redesign the workflow.
Step by step
A workflow you can repeat.
- 01
Open a clean branch and give Cline a bounded task with expected behavior and relevant file references.
- 02
Use Plan mode to inspect the codebase and agree on the files, risks, tests, and implementation sequence.
- 03
Confirm Checkpoints are enabled, move to Act mode, and approve only the required edits and commands.
- 04
Review the final diff, test results, and git status before committing the change yourself.
Working standard
What good use looks like.
- State the outcome before the background.
- Provide the real source material.
- Review the result before expanding the task.
Cline can edit files, execute commands, browse, and invoke MCP tools. Keep permissions narrow, protect credentials, review diffs, and reserve broad Auto Approve or YOLO mode for isolated disposable environments.
Official references
Check the current product documentation.
Features, plan limits, availability, and data controls change. These official pages are the starting points used for this collection.