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Cline exposes two distinct APIs depending on what you want to build:
  • Cline REST API — An OpenAI-compatible HTTP endpoint at api.cline.bot. Send chat messages to any supported model from any language, framework, or tool.
  • VS Code Extension API (ClineAPI) — A TypeScript interface exposed by the Cline VS Code extension. Lets other extensions programmatically start tasks, send messages, and interact with the Cline panel.

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Cline REST API

The Cline REST API is an OpenAI-compatible Chat Completions endpoint. Authenticate once with a Cline API key and get access to models from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and more through a single base URL. No need to manage separate keys for each provider. 
Your app  →  Cline API (api.cline.bot)  →  Anthropic / OpenAI / Google / ...

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Base URL

https://api.cline.bot/api/v1

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Authentication

All requests require a Bearer token in the Authorization header: 
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY
Get your API key at app.cline.bot under Settings > API Keys.

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Quick example

curl -X POST https://api.cline.bot/api/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6",
    "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
  }'

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VS Code extension API

The Cline VS Code extension exports a ClineAPI interface that other extensions can use to control the Cline panel programmatically. This is intended for extension authors building editor integrations. 
export interface ClineAPI {
  // Start a new task with an optional message and images
  startNewTask(task?: string, images?: string[]): Promise<void>

  // Send a message to the active task
  sendMessage(message?: string, images?: string[]): Promise<void>

  // Simulate clicking the primary action button
  pressPrimaryButton(): Promise<void>

  // Simulate clicking the secondary action button
  pressSecondaryButton(): Promise<void>
}
Access the API from another VS Code extension: 
const clineExtension = vscode.extensions.getExtension('saoudrizwan.claude-dev')
const cline: ClineAPI = clineExtension?.exports

await cline.startNewTask('Refactor this module to use async/await')
The ClineAPI is only available in the VS Code extension context. It does not apply to the REST API, the CLI, or JetBrains.

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REST API reference

Authentication

API keys, security best practices, and environment variable setup.

Chat completions

Full endpoint reference — parameters, streaming, tool calling, and response format.

Errors

Error codes, mid-stream errors, and retry strategies.

Models

Browse available models, free tiers, and selection guidance.

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