# Cline and Roo Code: Quick Start Guide <div class="callout" data-callout="info"> <div class="callout-title">About This Guide</div> <div class="callout-content"> This quick start guide provides essential information for getting started with Cline and Roo Code, AI coding agents that operate within VS Code. </div> </div> ## 1. Getting Started <div class="topic-area"> ### Overview AI coding agents in VS Code that accept natural language commands to read/write files, run terminal commands, and plan tasks. ### Installation & Setup Install via the VS Code Marketplace, reload, and configure your API key or select your preferred model. ```bash code --install-extension rooveterinaryinc.roo-cline ``` ### Key Features Chat interface, file edits, terminal execution, multi-step tasks, and two main modes: Plan (design) and Act (execute). </div> ## 2. Automation & Efficiency <div class="topic-area"> ### Auto-Run Commands Enable auto-approve for non-critical tasks (e.g., read-only actions) and customize command syntax for your environment. ### Memory Bank Persist project context using dedicated files (e.g., activeContext.md). Use "update memory bank" around 70–80% context usage to save progress and start new tasks. ### Task Segmentation Begin in Plan mode to outline tasks, then switch to Act mode for code execution to keep context manageable. </div> ## 3. Model Usage <div class="topic-area"> <div class="callout" data-callout="tip"> <div class="callout-title">Model Selection Strategy</div> <div class="callout-content"> Choose the right model for each phase of your development workflow to maximize efficiency and output quality. </div> </div> | Model | Best For | Context Window | Strengths | |-------|----------|----------------|-----------| | Model 01 | Planning/Architecture | Medium | Deep reasoning, design, complex solutions | | Claude 3.5 | Everyday Coding | Large | General coding tasks, good balance of speed and quality | | Claude 3.7 | Heavy Lifting | Very Large | Extended output, complex tasks, planning revisions | ### Switching Models Configure within the extension settings or during mode transitions to leverage each model's strengths. </div> ## 4. Optimization Techniques <div class="topic-area"> ### Plan/Act Cycle Generate detailed plans (design docs, step-by-step breakdowns) before execution. <div class="api-endpoint"> <span class="api-method">WORKFLOW</span> <span class="api-url">Plan → Act → Review → Refine</span> 1. Create detailed plan in Plan mode 2. Execute code in Act mode 3. Review results 4. Refine approach as needed </div> ### Custom Modes Set up tailored instructions (e.g., "Tester" mode) for frequently repeated tasks. ```json { "customModes": [ { "slug": "tester", "name": "Tester", "roleDefinition": "You are a testing expert who specializes in writing comprehensive test suites", "groups": ["read", "edit", "command"] } ] } ``` ### Efficiency Tweaks Limit terminal output, adjust command delays, use checkpoints (and Git) for safe rollbacks, and refine output through iterative review. </div> ## 5. Troubleshooting & Advanced Tips <div class="topic-area"> <div class="callout" data-callout="warning"> <div class="callout-title">Common Issues</div> <div class="callout-content"> Be aware of these common challenges and their solutions to maintain productivity. </div> </div> ### Context Overflow Save key context to the Memory Bank to avoid token overflow; refresh context by starting new tasks. ### Instruction Adherence Reiterate critical instructions in custom prompts if the AI deviates. ### Glitches Reload VS Code if the extension freezes; always update to the latest version. ### Risk Management Use full auto-approve only in safe, experimental environments with frequent backups. ### Community Best Practices Check forums and release notes for the latest tips, case studies, and improvements. </div> ## Memory Bank Quick Reference <div class="callout" data-callout="note"> <div class="callout-title">Memory Bank</div> <div class="callout-content"> Cline's Memory Bank persistently stores project context and custom instructions, ensuring your AI remembers key details between sessions. </div> </div> Major commands include: <div class="terminal"> update memory bank </div> Summarize and save the current context to prevent token overflow. <div class="terminal"> clear memory bank </div> Reset the stored context when starting fresh tasks. <div class="terminal"> FYCI (Follow Your Custom Instructions) </div> Instruct the agent to load Memory Bank context at the beginning of a new session. For full instructions and advanced customization, see the [Cline Memory Bank Documentation](https://github.com/nickbaumann98/cline_docs/blob/main/prompting/custom%20instructions%20library/cline-memory-bank.md).