< is an AI-powered coding assistant that integrates directly into your IDE, enabling you to leverage AI models for code generation, debugging, refactoring, and documentation. A [Cline extension is available in the Open VSX Registry](https://open-vsx.org/extension/saoudrizwan/claude-dev), allowing you to use it directly within CCStudio™ IDE.
## Why Use Cline?
While the [CCStudio IDE AI Assistant Configurator](https://software-dl.ti.com/ccs/esd/documents/users_guide_ccs/ccs_ai.html#ai-assistant-configurator) is limited to a few providers, Cline supports a wide range of LLM providers, giving you more options to find the right balance of capability and cost. Use any LLM provider and model of your choice, from OpenAI and Anthropic to cost-effective options like DeepSeek (directly or via API gateways like [OpenRouter](https://openrouter.ai/))
## Installation
1. Open **CCStudio IDE**
2. Navigate to the **Extensions** panel
3. Search for `"Cline"` in the marketplace
4. The extension appears as **Cline** (published by saoudrizwan)
5. Click **Install**
## Configuration
### Set Up Your API Provider
Cline supports multiple LLM providers, including API gateways like [OpenRouter](https://openrouter.ai/).
**Configure Cline Settings**
- Open Cline in CCStudio IDE
- Click the **Settings** gear icon
- Navigate to the **API Configuration** section
- Select **API Provider**
- Fill in the rest of the required fields (API Key, Model, etc.) based on your chosen provider
Below is an example for using **OpenRouter** configured for a **DeepSeek** model:
## AGENTS.md Configuration
Create an `AGENTS.md` file in your workspace folder root to define custom instructions and context for Cline. This file helps align the AI with your project's conventions, TI-specific guidelines, and coding standards. It is recommended to use the [example content mentioned in CCStudio IDE User's Guide](https://software-dl.ti.com/ccs/esd/documents/users_guide_ccs/ccs_ai.html#agent-configuration-files) to get started. You can customize it further to include project-specific instructions, coding standards, and any other relevant information.
[[y Check CCStudio IDE Installation Path
Verify the CCStudio IDE installation path on your system and update the paths in `AGENTS.md` accordingly. Note that path formats differ between Windows, Linux, and macOS.
]]
Cline will automatically detect and reference this file when providing assistance, applying CCS context and your custom guidance.
## Using CCStudio IDE MCP Servers
CCStudio IDE also offers MCP servers that enable AI assistants such as Cline to interact directly with the CCStudio IDE project and debug servers, allowing for more integrated and context-aware development workflows.
### Enable MCP Servers in Cline
1. Open Cline settings
2. Navigate to **MCP Servers** and then select the **Configure** tab
3. Select the **Configure MCP Servers** button
4. Copy and paste the MCP server configuration content in the [example JSON file in the CCStudio IDE User's Guide](https://software-dl.ti.com/ccs/esd/documents/users_guide_ccs/ccs_ai.html#using-other-ai-assistants) to the `cline_mcp_settings.json` file that was created from step #3 above and then make the proper adjustments to the paths.
[[y Check CCStudio IDE Installation Path
Verify the CCStudio IDE installation path on your system and update the paths in `cline_mcp_settings.json` accordingly. Note that path formats differ between Windows, Linux, and macOS.
]]
5. Cline will now be able to access the CCStudio IDE MCP servers
## Using Cline
Once Cline is fully set up, it can be used to assist with coding tasks, including building projects, debugging, and such.
Below is an example of asking Cline to increase the blink rate of an LED in a project. By using information from the `AGENTS.md` file, Cline can find information about the project and the target board to provide suggestions:
By leveraging the CCStudio IDE MCP Servers, Cline can also build the project, start a debug session for the target, load and run the program on the target:
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