Based on a tutorial by Dev xịn
Struggling with expensive AI coding tools that drain your budget? You’re not alone. Many developers want powerful AI assistance but can’t justify the high costs of premium solutions.
I’ve discovered two incredible VS Code extensions that solve this exact problem. After watching Dev xịn’s comprehensive tutorial, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about Cline and RuCode – two free AI-powered extensions that rival expensive alternatives.
Quick Navigation
- Extension Overview & Installation (00:00-03:00)
- AI Agent Features & Planning Mode (03:00-08:00)
- Smart Context Handling & Code Fixing (08:00-12:00)
- Cost Optimization with Free Providers (12:00-16:00)
- RuCode Advanced Features (16:00-20:00)
- Browser Integration Demo (20:00-24:00)
- Advanced Setup & Open Router (24:00-end)
Extension Overview & Installation
Both Cline and RuCode are completely free VS Code extensions that bring powerful AI capabilities directly into your development environment. What makes them special is their ability to integrate with popular AI providers like Gemini and DeepSeek at zero cost.
RuCode is actually an improved version built upon Cline’s foundation, so their core functionalities are very similar. You can use either one or both simultaneously.
Key Similarities:
- Both are completely free VS Code extensions
- Support popular AI providers (Gemini, DeepSeek, etc.)
- Require Google or GitHub login for first-time setup
- Provide chat interfaces similar to GitHub Copilot
- Offer advanced AI agent capabilities
My Take:
The fact that these are free alternatives to expensive AI coding tools is game-changing. I’ve been using paid solutions, but these extensions deliver comparable functionality without the monthly subscription costs.
AI Agent Features & Planning Mode
This is where these extensions truly shine. Unlike simple chat interfaces, both Cline and RuCode offer AI agent capabilities that can autonomously plan and execute complex tasks.
When you enable planning mode, the AI doesn’t just respond to your queries – it creates a comprehensive plan and executes it step by step with minimal human intervention.
Agent Capabilities Include:
- File Operations: Read, write, and modify files automatically
- Terminal Access: Execute command-line operations
- Browser Control: Access and interact with web pages
- Code Generation: Create complete components and functions
- Error Detection: Identify and fix issues autonomously
- MCP Server Integration: Connect with external services
// Example: AI agent automatically generated this avatar component
interface AvatarProps {
src: string;
alt: string;
size?: 'sm' | 'md' | 'lg';
}
const GenerateAvatar: React.FC<AvatarProps> = ({ src, alt, size = 'md' }) => {
return (
<div className={`avatar avatar-${size}`}>
<img src={src} alt={alt} />
</div>
);
};
My Take:
The autonomous nature of these AI agents is impressive. Watching the AI create, test, and fix code without constant prompting feels like having a junior developer pair programming with you.
Smart Context Handling & Code Fixing
One of the most practical features is how these extensions handle context. When you encounter an error, you can right-click and select “Go to RuCode” or “Go to Cline” to instantly get AI assistance with the specific issue.
The AI understands your codebase context and can provide targeted solutions rather than generic advice.
Context Features:
- Error Detection: Right-click on errors for instant AI analysis
- Code Selection: Highlight code and add to context with one click
- File Mention: Use @ symbol to reference specific files in conversations
- Checkpoint System: Track changes and rollback if needed
- Compare Changes: See exactly what the AI modified
My Take:
The context-aware nature eliminates the need to copy-paste code or explain your project structure repeatedly. The AI just “gets it” based on your workspace.
Cost Optimization with Free Providers
Here’s the money-saving goldmine. Instead of paying for expensive API calls, you can configure these extensions to use free AI providers like Google Gemini.
Dev xịn demonstrates how to set up Google AI Studio for completely free access to powerful models including the experimental “thinking” models.
Free Provider Setup:
- Google Gemini: Visit aistudio.google.com for free API key
- VS Code LM API: Use existing GitHub Copilot subscription
- Model Selection: Access to Google’s most advanced models
- Image Support: Many models support image uploads for UI generation
My Take:
This is the biggest game-changer. I was spending $20-50/month on AI coding tools. Now I get similar functionality for free by leveraging Google’s generous API limits. The cost savings alone make this worth switching to.
RuCode Advanced Features
RuCode builds upon Cline with several UI/UX improvements that make it feel more polished and professional.
The standout feature is the role-based modes where you can define the AI’s persona for different tasks.
RuCode Advantages:
- Role Modes: Code, Architect, or custom-defined personas
- Prompt Enhancement: AI automatically improves vague prompts
- UI Generation: Upload interface images for code generation
- Better UX: More polished interface and interactions
- Advanced Settings: More granular control over AI behavior
My Take:
The prompt enhancement feature is surprisingly useful. When I write lazy prompts like “fix this,” RuCode suggests more detailed alternatives that get better results. It’s like having a prompt engineering coach built-in.
Browser Integration Demo
The browser integration capability is where these extensions truly showcase their AI agent potential. Dev xịn demonstrates having the AI automatically access LinkedIn and manage messages.
This isn’t just about coding – it’s about automating repetitive digital tasks across your entire workflow.
Browser Automation Examples:
- Social Media Management: Auto-reply to messages
- Web Testing: Navigate and test web applications
- Data Extraction: Scrape information from websites
- Form Filling: Automate repetitive web tasks
// Example prompt for browser automation
"Can you access the browser, help me access LinkedIn and reply to pending messages with 'I'll get back to you later'"
My Take:
The browser automation feels like having a virtual assistant that can handle mundane tasks while I focus on actual development. This level of automation was previously only available in expensive enterprise tools.
Advanced Setup & Open Router
For developers who want access to even more AI models, Dev xịn introduces Open Router – a platform that acts as a unified gateway to multiple AI providers.
This opens up access to models like DeepSeek, Mistral, and Ollama through a single API key, giving you incredible flexibility in choosing the right model for each task.
Open Router Benefits:
- Unified Access: One API key for multiple providers
- Model Variety: Access to DeepSeek, Mistral, Ollama, and more
- Free Options: Many models available at no cost
- Easy Integration: Simple setup in both Cline and RuCode
My Take:
Open Router is like having a Swiss Army knife of AI models. Different tasks require different strengths, and being able to switch between models based on the specific need (code generation vs. explanation vs. debugging) optimizes both performance and cost.
