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* style(docs): update background color scheme to neutral tones Update documentation background colors from purple-tinted theme to neutral gray tones. Changed light mode from lavender (#F0E6FF) to off-white (#fafaf9) and dark mode from pure black (#000000) to dark gray (#0f0f0f) for improved visual consistency. * refactor(docs): remove gradient decoration from theme config Remove the "decoration": "gradient" property from the documentation theme configuration. This simplifies the theme settings by removing the gradient decoration option from the color configuration object. * docs: change documentation font family to Geist Mono Replace Roboto with Geist Mono as the default font family in the documentation configuration. This updates the visual styling of the documentation to use a monospace font, which may improve readability for code-heavy content. * docs: update branding and restructure navigation - Replace robot panel logos with new Cline brand logos - Add icons to navbar links (Docs, GitHub, Discord) - Restructure navigation from groups to tabs format - Add icons to navigation items for improved UX - Include new Docs link in navbar with book icon This update modernizes the documentation appearance and improves navigation hierarchy for better user experience. * docs: restructure navigation with hierarchical groups and pages Restructured documentation navigation from flat menu to organized groups: - Removed redundant "Docs" link from navbar - Migrated from "menu" to "groups/pages" structure - Added comprehensive page organization with nested groups: * Introduction, Getting Started, Features * Prompting Skills, Cline's Tools, Enterprise Solutions * MCP Servers, Provider Configuration - Organized features into logical subgroups (@ Mentions, Commands, Customization, Slash Commands) - Improved documentation discoverability and hierarchy This change provides better content organization and easier navigation for users exploring different aspects of Cline documentation. * docs: remove contextual options from documentation config Remove the contextual configuration section containing the "copy" option from docs.json. This simplifies the documentation configuration by removing unused contextual menu options. * docs(multiroot): improve workspace documentation with limitations and technical details - Add important note about experimental limitations affecting Cline rules and checkpoints - Add "How it works" section explaining automatic workspace detection and tracking - Reorganize technical behavior section with detailed subsections for workspace detection, path resolution, and command execution - Document workspace hint syntax for explicit file references (@workspaceName:path) - Standardize heading capitalization to sentence case for consistency - Improve overall content organization and clarity for better user understanding This update provides users with clearer information about the multiroot feature's current state, its limitations, and how to effectively use workspace hints when working with multiple project folders. * docs: restructure overview page with enhanced visual layout - Convert plain markdown sections to CardGroup and Card components with icons - Add tabbed interface for Plan & Act Mode explanation - Update description from "development assistant" to "coding agent" - Reorganize content for improved readability and visual hierarchy - Enhance feature presentations with icon-based cards Improves user experience by transforming the overview documentation into a more visually appealing and scannable format using modern documentation components. * docs: improve installation guide with enhanced structure and UX Restructure the Cline installation documentation to improve readability and user experience: - Add prominent note highlighting 2-minute installation time - Convert prerequisites into visual card components for better clarity - Transform installation steps into structured Step components for easier following - Add manual installation instructions for JetBrains IDEs - Include feature compatibility accordion for JetBrains users - Enhance visual hierarchy with improved component usage (CardGroup, Steps, Accordion) - Simplify language and improve descriptions throughout This makes the installation process clearer for new users and reduces friction during onboarding. * style(docs): remove text opacity reduction for better readability * docs: refactor model selection guide with visual step-by-step instructions - Replace tab-based layout with linear step-by-step flow - Add screenshots for each configuration step (config, provider, API, model) - Reorganize content structure for improved clarity and user experience - Add quickstart options and streamlined provider recommendations - Improve navigation with visual aids to help users configure Cline faster * docs: add installation screenshots and context management guide * docs: flatten provider config structure in documentation Remove the "Alternative Providers" grouping and move all provider configuration pages (OpenRouter, Cerebras, DeepSeek, Groq, xAI Grok, Mistral AI, Doubao, Fireworks, and ZAI) to the main provider configuration list. This simplifies the documentation navigation by treating all providers equally rather than categorizing some as alternatives. * docs: restructure context management docs and improve content clarity **Changes:** - Reorganized documentation structure by moving context management from `/best-practices` to `/prompting` section for better categorization - Added URL redirect to maintain backward compatibility for old links - Updated navigation references in welcome page to point to new location - Improved readability of context management explanations with more narrative, conversational prose - Enhanced context window documentation by adding cache tokens indicator and using emoji-based formatting for better visual clarity - Streamlined Cline Memory Bank setup instructions from 4 to 3 steps - Updated context bar screenshot to use newer image asset **Why:** Better documentation organization and improved user experience through clearer explanations of how Cline builds and manages context during tasks. * docs(context-management): convert Quick Reference to Info component Replace blockquote formatting with Info component for the Quick Reference section in the context management documentation. This improves visual presentation and maintains consistency with documentation standards. Also removes trailing whitespace at the end of the file for cleaner formatting. * docs: add Cline Enterprise overview and restructure enterprise section - Add comprehensive enterprise overview documentation covering security, governance, observability, and developer experience features - Rename "Enterprise & Security" navigation group to "Enterprise" - Consolidate enterprise documentation by replacing 4 pages with 2: new overview page and security concerns - Document BYOI (Bring Your Own Inference), SSO authentication, and role-based access control capabilities This restructuring provides a clearer entry point for enterprise users and consolidates previously scattered enterprise information into a cohesive overview document. * docs(enterprise): streamline enterprise overview and update font - Change documentation font from Geist Mono to Geist Sans - Add enterprise website link card for detailed information - Remove Developer Experience, Proven at Scale, and Pricing sections - Consolidate Flexible Inference section content - Simplify enterprise overview to focus on core capabilities These changes reduce redundancy by directing users to the enterprise website for pricing and detailed features while keeping the docs focused on technical implementation and core capabilities. * clean-images * Update docs/getting-started/installing-cline.mdx Co-authored-by: Copilot <175728472+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com> * Update docs/styles.css Co-authored-by: Copilot <175728472+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com> * docs(cline-cli): add platform availability warning to overview Add a prominent warning callout indicating that Cline CLI is currently in preview and only supports macOS and Linux, with Windows support coming soon. This sets clear expectations for users about platform compatibility. Also remove redundant introductory text in the "What you can build with this" section to improve content clarity. --------- Co-authored-by: Copilot <175728472+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
203 lines
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203 lines
8.4 KiB
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---
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title: "Model Selection Guide"
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description: "Last updated: August 20, 2025."
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---
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New models drop constantly, so this guide focuses on what's working well with Cline right now. We'll keep it updated as the landscape shifts.
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<Callout type="tip">
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**New to model selection?** Start with [Module 2 of Cline's Learning Path](https://cline.bot/learn) for a comprehensive guide to choosing and configuring models.
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</Callout>
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## What is an AI Model?
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Think of an AI model as the "brain" that powers Cline. When you ask Cline to write code, fix bugs, or refactor your project, it's the model that actually understands your request and generates the response.
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**Key points:**
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- **Models are trained AI systems** that understand natural language and code
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- **Different models have different strengths** some excel at complex reasoning, others prioritize speed or cost
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- **You choose which model Cline uses** like picking between different experts for different tasks
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- **Models are accessed via API providers** - companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and OpenRouter host these models
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**Why it matters:** The model you choose directly impacts Cline's capabilities, response quality, speed, and cost. A premium model might handle complex refactoring beautifully but cost more, while a budget model works great for routine tasks at a fraction of the price.
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## How to Select a Model in Cline
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Follow these 5 simple steps to get Cline up and running with your preferred AI model:
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### Step 1: Open Cline Settings
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First, you need to access Cline's configuration panel.
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**Two ways to open settings:**
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- **Quick method**: Click the **gear icon (⚙️)** in the top-right corner of Cline's chat interface
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- **Command palette**: Press **Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P** → type "Cline: Open Settings"
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<Frame>
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<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/cline_public_images/step1-config.png" alt="Cline Settings Panel" />
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</Frame>
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The settings panel will open, showing configuration options with "API Provider" at the top.
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<Note>
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The settings panel remembers your last configuration, so you'll only need to set this up once.
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</Note>
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### Step 2: Select an API Provider
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Choose your preferred AI provider from the dropdown menu.
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<Frame>
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<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/cline_public_images/step2-provider.png" alt="Cline Settings Panel" />
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</Frame>
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**Popular providers at a glance:**
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| Provider | Best For | Notes |
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|----------|----------|-------|
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| **Cline** | Easiest setup | No API keys needed, access to multiple models including stealth models |
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| **OpenRouter** | Value seekers | Multiple models, competitive pricing |
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| **Anthropic** | Reliability | Claude models, most dependable tool usage |
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| **OpenAI** | Latest tech | GPT models |
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| **Google Gemini** | Large context | Google's AI models |
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| **AWS Bedrock** | Enterprise | Advanced features |
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| **Ollama** | Privacy | Run models locally |
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See the [full provider list](/provider-config) for more options including Cerebras, Vertex AI, Azure, and more.
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<Info>
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**Recommended for beginners:** Start with **Cline** as your provider - no API key management needed, instant access to multiple models, and occasional free inferencing through partner providers.
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</Info>
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### Step 3: Add Your API Key (or Sign In)
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The next step depends on which provider you selected.
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#### If you selected **Cline** as your provider:
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- **No API key needed!** Simply sign in with your Cline account
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- Click the **Sign In** button when prompted
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- You'll be redirected to [app.cline.bot](https://app.cline.bot) to authenticate
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- After signing in, return to your IDE
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#### If you selected any other provider:
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You'll need to get an API key from your chosen provider:
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1. **Visit your provider's website to get an API key:**
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- **Anthropic**: [console.anthropic.com](https://console.anthropic.com/)
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- **OpenRouter**: [openrouter.ai/keys](https://openrouter.ai/keys)
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- **OpenAI**: [platform.openai.com/api-keys](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys)
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- **Google**: [aistudio.google.com/apikey](https://aistudio.google.com/apikey)
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- **Others**: See [Provider Setup Guide](/provider-config)
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2. **Generate a new API key** on the provider's website
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3. **Copy the API key** to your clipboard
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4. **Paste your key** in the **"API Key"** field in Cline settings
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5. **Save automatically** - Your key is stored securely in your editor's secrets storage
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<Frame>
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<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/cline_public_images/step3-API.png" alt="Cline API Selection" />
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</Frame>
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<Warning>
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**Payment required for most providers**: Most providers need payment information before generating keys. You only pay for what you use (typically $0.01-$0.10 per coding task).
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</Warning>
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### Step 4: Choose Your Model
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Once your API key is added (or you've signed in), the **"Model"** dropdown becomes available.
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<Frame>
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<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/cline_public_images/step4-model.png" alt="Cline Model Selection" />
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</Frame>
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**Quick model selection guide:**
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| Your Priority | Choose This Model | Why |
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|---------------|-------------------|-----|
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| **Maximum reliability** | Claude Sonnet 4.5 | Most reliable tool usage, excellent at complex tasks |
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| **Best value** | DeepSeek V3 or Qwen3 Coder | Great performance at budget prices |
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| **Fastest speed** | Qwen3 Coder on Cerebras | Lightning-fast responses |
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| **Run locally** | Any Ollama model | Complete privacy, no internet needed |
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| **Latest features** | GPT-5 | OpenAI's newest capabilities |
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Not sure which to pick? Start with **Claude Sonnet 4.5** for reliability or **DeepSeek V3** for value.
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<Tip>
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You can switch models at any time without losing your conversation. Try different models to find what works best for your specific tasks.
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</Tip>
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See the [model comparison tables](#current-top-models) below for detailed specifications and pricing.
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### Step 5: Start Using Cline
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**Congratulations! You're all set up.** Here's how to start coding with Cline:
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1. **Type your request** in the Cline chat box
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- Example: "Create a React component for a login form"
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- Example: "Debug this TypeScript error"
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- Example: "Refactor this function to be more efficient"
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2. **Press Enter** or click the send icon to submit
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## Choosing the Right Model
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Selecting the right model involves balancing several factors. Use this framework to find your ideal match:
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<Note>
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**Pro tips**: Configure separate models for Plan Mode and Act Mode. Make the most out the each model's strengths. For example, use a budget model for planning discussions and a premium model for implementation.
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</Note>
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### Key Selection Factors
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| Factor | What to Consider | Recommendation |
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|--------|------------------|----------------|
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| **Task Complexity** | Simple fixes vs complex refactoring | Budget models for routine tasks; Premium models for complex work |
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| **Budget** | Monthly spending capacity | \$10-\$30: Budget, \$30-\$100: Mid-tier, \$100+: Premium |
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| **Context Window** | Project size and file count | Small: 32K-128K, Medium: 128K-200K, Large: 400K+ |
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| **Speed** | Response time requirements | Interactive: Fast models, Background: Reasoning models OK |
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| **Tool Reliability** | Complex operations | Claude excels at tool usage; Test others with your workflow |
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| **Provider** | Access and pricing needs | OpenRouter: Many options, Direct: Faster/reliable, Local: Privacy |
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## Model Comparison Resources
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For detailed model comparisons, pricing, and performance metrics, see:
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- [**Model Comparison & Pricing**](/model-config/model-comparison) - Complete pricing tables and performance benchmarks
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- [**Context Window Guide**](/model-config/context-windows) - Understanding and optimizing context usage
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## Open Source vs Closed Source
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### Open Source Advantages
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- **Multiple providers** compete to host them
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- **Cheaper pricing** due to competition
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- **Provider choice** - switch if one goes down
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- **Faster innovation** cycles
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### Open Source Models Available
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- **Qwen3 Coder** (Apache 2.0)
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- **Z AI GLM 4.5** (MIT)
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- **Kimi K2** (Open source)
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- **DeepSeek series** (Various licenses)
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## Quick Decision Matrix
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| If you want... | Use this |
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|----------------|----------|
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| Something that just works | Claude Sonnet 4.5 |
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| To save money | DeepSeek V3 or Qwen3 variants |
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| Huge context windows | Gemini 2.5 Pro or Claude Sonnet 4.5 |
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| Open source | Qwen3 Coder, Z AI GLM 4.5, or Kimi K2 |
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| Latest tech | GPT-5 |
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| Speed | Qwen3 Coder on Cerebras (fastest available) |
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## What Others Are Using
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Check [OpenRouter's Cline usage stats](https://openrouter.ai/apps?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcline.bot%2F) to see real usage patterns from the community.
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