Cline Overview
Cline is an open-source, standalone application designed to facilitate seamless AI interactions across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Developed by the Cline community, it supports a variety of large language models such as GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0, and Ollama, providing flexibility in AI model choice. It offers a substantial context window of 200k tokens, allowing for extensive data processing and analysis. Cline also provides comprehensive features such as local inference capabilities and agentic editing across multiple files, making it a versatile tool for developers and AI enthusiasts. With full terminal access and a standard privacy policy, users can expect a high level of security and control over their data. The tool is free, with the added advantage of seamless migration from other systems.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple LLMs like GPT-5 and Claude 4.5.
- ✓ Offers a large context window of 200k tokens.
- ✓ Open-source and free to use.
- ✓ Allows local inference and multi-file agentic editing.
Cons
- ✕ Does not support predictive edits.
- ✕ Limited to standard privacy mode.
Gemini CLI Overview
Gemini CLI, developed by Google, is a standalone command-line interface that supports the Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2 models. It functions across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for users. Noteworthy is its impressive 1M token context window, which significantly enhances its data handling and analysis capabilities. The tool’s local inference and multi-file agentic editing features are complemented by predictive editing capabilities, offering a more intuitive user experience. Gemini CLI provides full terminal access and adheres to a standard privacy policy, ensuring user data is managed securely. Available in both free and pro versions, it accommodates a range of user needs, from casual users to enterprise-level demands.
Pros
- ✓ Features a massive 1M token context window.
- ✓ Includes predictive editing capabilities.
- ✓ Supports Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2 models.
- ✓ Available in both free and pro versions.
Cons
- ✕ Limited to Gemini models.
- ✕ Pricing may vary between free and pro versions.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Cline | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Cline (open-source) | |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0, Ollama | Gemini 2.5 Pro, Gemini 2 |
| Context Window | 200k tokens | 1M tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free | Free/Pro |
| Config File | .clinerc | GEMINI.md |
| Migration | Seamless | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both Cline and Gemini CLI offer robust features for AI model interactions, with Cline emphasizing open-source flexibility and Gemini CLI focusing on expansive context capabilities. Users should consider their specific needs, such as model preference and desired features, when choosing the appropriate tool.