# Cline

[Cline](https://docs.cline.bot/getting-started/what-is-cline) is an open source AI coding agent that brings frontier AI models directly to your VS Code editor. Unlike autocomplete tools, Cline is a true coding agent that can understand entire codebases, plan complex changes, and execute multi-step tasks. This guide will walk you through the setup.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Before you begin: Make sure you have generated your Cortecs API key. If not, check out our* [*QuickStart*](https://docs.cortecs.ai/quickstart) *guide.*
{% endhint %}

## 1. Install Cline 

First, install the **Cline** extension in your VS Code. You can find it by following the instructions on their [website](https://cline.bot/) or in the [Visual Studio Code Marketplace](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=saoudrizwan.claude-dev).

<figure><img src="https://2211217319-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYGsEKyV2Zq4Q8fEJQT40%2Fuploads%2FDmc2N0HM2tELJSdw7RT7%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1732fa9e-3651-4374-a43f-fd72de0942f2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once installed, you’ll need to configure an **external provider**.

## 2. Connect to cortecs

Cortecs provides **OpenAI-compatible API endpoints**, making it easy to integrate with Cline and many other tools.

To set up the connection, follow these steps:

1. Select `Use your own API key`  on first start or navigate to the Settings
2. Configure the connection with the following settings:\
   – **API Provider:** OpenAI Compatible\
   – **Base URL:** <code class="expression">space.vars.DEFAULT\_API\_BASE\_URL</code>\
   – **API Key:** Your API Key\
   – **Model:** <code class="expression">space.vars.DEFAULT\_CODING\_MODEL</code> (feel free to pick another one from the [catalogue](https://cortecs.ai/serverlessModels))

<figure><img src="https://2211217319-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FYGsEKyV2Zq4Q8fEJQT40%2Fuploads%2FVtg04Ru9z0tCmHKMJMfI%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3d4574c2-a2dc-4751-9d68-75171279dc91" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Enjoy your **privacy-preserving coding assistant** with the power of Cortecs and Cline. Explore other models, tweak the setup to your needs, and join the conversation on our [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/bPFEFcWBhp) to share feedback 👩‍💻👨‍💻