Comparison
Claude Code vs Cline
How the two compare on the things that decide whether your setup carries over: open standards, license, models and where they run.
| Claude Code | Cline | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Anthropic | Cline |
| License | Proprietary | Apache-2.0 |
| Models | Anthropic Claude models | See vendor docs |
| Runs in | Terminal, IDE, Desktop, Web | IDE, CLI |
| MCP | MCP: supported | MCP: supported |
| Agent Skills | Agent Skills: supported | ?Agent Skills: not yet verified |
| AGENTS.md | ?AGENTS.md: not yet verified | ?AGENTS.md: not yet verified |
| ACP | ACP: supported | ACP: supported |
Key differences
- Cline is open source (Apache-2.0); Claude Code is proprietary. If you need to self-host, audit or fork the harness, that settles it.
- Claude Code also runs in Terminal, Desktop, Web; Cline also runs in CLI.
- Claude Code supports Agent Skills; we have not verified it for Cline.
- Both support MCP, ACP, so MCP servers, skills and repo instructions you set up carry over if you switch.
In their own words
Claude Code
Anthropic's agentic coding tool. Reads the codebase, edits files, runs commands, and extends through MCP servers, Skills, subagents, hooks and plugin marketplaces. Project instructions live in CLAUDE.md.
Cline
Open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code and JetBrains with a plan/act workflow and an MCP marketplace.
FAQ
- Is Claude Code or Cline open source?
- Claude Code is proprietary. Cline is open source under Apache-2.0.
- Do Claude Code and Cline support MCP servers?
- Claude Code: yes. Cline: yes.
- Can I reuse Agent Skills between Claude Code and Cline?
- Only if both support the Agent Skills format. Check the table above.
Set up MCP servers in either one
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Reviewed Oct 5, 2026.