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Cline is a VS Code AI coding extension that can autonomously read and write files, run terminal commands, and interact with the browser — completing full coding tasks from requirements to implementation.

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Installation & Setup

1

Install the Cline Extension

Search for Cline in the VS Code Extensions marketplace, or visit: VS Code Marketplace
2

Open Cline Configuration

Press Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P, search for Cline: Open in New Tab, and open the Cline panel. Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top right to open the configuration page.
3

Enter API Configuration

  • API Provider: Select OpenAI Compatible
  • Base URL: https://api.elkapi.com/v1
  • API Key: Your ElkAPI API key
  • Model: The model you want to use, e.g. gpt-4o or claude-opus-4-5-20251101
Click Save when done.
4

Start Using

Return to the Cline panel and describe your task. Cline will analyze your codebase and execute the necessary operations automatically.
Use CaseRecommended Model
General coding tasksgpt-4o
Complex agent tasksclaude-opus-4-5-20251101
Quick, lightweight tasksgpt-4o-mini

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Notes

  • Cline’s Agent mode automatically reads/writes files and executes commands. Only use it in trusted project directories, and review each action before approving.
  • To use Claude models, you can also switch the Provider to Anthropic and set the Base URL to https://api.elkapi.com/anthropic
  • Cline supports custom system prompts — configure project-level rules in its settings