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Cline (formerly Claude Dev) is a powerful VS Code plugin that integrates large language models to provide developers with intelligent programming assistance. Through Laozhang API, you can use various advanced AI models in Cline.

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Quick Start

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1. Install Plugin

  1. Open VS Code
  2. Click the Extensions icon on the left sidebar (or use shortcut Ctrl+Shift+X)
  3. Search for “Cline”
  4. Click “Install” button
  5. Restart VS Code after installation

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2. Configure API

1

Open Cline Settings

Click the Cline icon in the VS Code left sidebar
2

Choose API Service

Select “OpenAI” in the settings interface
3

Fill In Configuration

  • API Provider: Select “OpenAI”
  • Base URL: https://api.laozhang.ai/v1
  • API Key: Enter your Laozhang API key
  • Model: Choose the model you need (e.g., gpt-4-turbo)
4

Save Settings

Click “Save” button to complete configuration
Obtaining API KeyVisit Laozhang API Console to create and obtain your API key.
Cline supports multiple large language models. Here are model recommendations for different programming scenarios:
Programming ScenarioRecommended ModelReason
Quick Code Completiongpt-3.5-turboFast response, economical
Complex Algorithm Developmentgpt-4-turboStrong reasoning ability
Code Refactoringclaude-sonnet-4-20250514Good at long context understanding
Documentation Writinggemini-2.5-proStrong text generation ability
Bug Analysisgpt-4-turboExcellent problem-solving ability
Model Selection Suggestions
  • Daily coding: Recommend using gpt-3.5-turbo, lower cost
  • Complex projects: Recommend using gpt-4-turbo, better quality
  • Long code files: Recommend using claude-sonnet-4, supports larger context

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Core Features

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1. Intelligent Code Completion

Cline can automatically complete code based on context:
  • Variable and function name suggestions
  • Code snippet completion
  • Import statement generation
  • Type annotation completion

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2. Code Explanation

Select a code segment, Cline can:
  • Explain code functionality
  • Analyze algorithm complexity
  • Point out potential issues
  • Provide optimization suggestions

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3. Code Generation

Describe your requirements, Cline can generate corresponding code: 
"Write a Python function to calculate Fibonacci sequence"
"Create a React component for user login interface"
"Generate a SQL query to find top 10 best-selling products"

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4. Refactoring Suggestions

Cline can analyze your code and provide:
  • Code structure optimization suggestions
  • Performance improvement solutions
  • Best practice recommendations
  • Security issue warnings

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5. Test Generation

Automatically generate unit tests:
  • Support multiple testing frameworks
  • Generate edge case tests
  • Provide test coverage suggestions

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Usage Scenarios

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Scenario 1: Rapid Prototyping

User: I need to create a RESTful API to manage users

Cline:
- Generates API route definitions
- Creates user model
- Implements CRUD operations
- Adds input validation
- Provides usage examples

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Scenario 2: Code Review

User: Please review this function

Cline:
- Analyzes code logic
- Identifies potential bugs
- Suggests performance optimizations
- Points out security risks
- Provides improved code examples

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Scenario 3: Learning New Technologies

User: How to use React Hooks?

Cline:
- Explains Hook concepts
- Provides usage examples
- Shows common patterns
- Warns about common pitfalls
- Recommends best practices

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Configuration Examples

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Basic Configuration

{
  "cline.apiProvider": "openai",
  "cline.baseUrl": "https://api.laozhang.ai/v1",
  "cline.apiKey": "Your Laozhang API key",
  "cline.model": "gpt-4-turbo",
  "cline.maxTokens": 2000,
  "cline.temperature": 0.7
}

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Advanced Configuration

{
  "cline.apiProvider": "openai",
  "cline.baseUrl": "https://api.laozhang.ai/v1",
  "cline.apiKey": "Your Laozhang API key",
  "cline.model": "gpt-4-turbo",
  "cline.maxTokens": 4000,
  "cline.temperature": 0.7,
  "cline.enableAutoComplete": true,
  "cline.enableCodeLens": true,
  "cline.enableInlineCompletion": true,
  "cline.autoTriggerDelay": 300
}

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Troubleshooting

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Connection Issues

Problem: Unable to connect to API Solutions:
  1. Check if Base URL is correct: https://api.laozhang.ai/v1
  2. Verify API Key validity
  3. Check network connection
  4. Confirm firewall settings

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Response Timeout

Problem: Request timeout Solutions:
  1. Switch to a faster model (e.g., from GPT-4 to GPT-3.5)
  2. Reduce maxTokens setting
  3. Check network speed
  4. Try during off-peak hours

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Inaccurate Suggestions

Problem: Code suggestions don’t meet expectations Solutions:
  1. Provide more detailed descriptions
  2. Include necessary context information
  3. Try different models
  4. Adjust temperature parameter

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Best Practices

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1. Clear Requirements

Provide clear and specific requirements: 
❌ "Write a function"
✅ "Write a Python function that accepts a list of numbers and returns average, with type hints"

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2. Provide Context

Include necessary code context: 
❌ "Optimize this code"
✅ "This is a user authentication function, needs performance optimization, code: [paste code]"

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3. Iterative Improvement

Don’t expect perfect results at once:
  1. Get initial code
  2. Test and identify issues
  3. Provide feedback
  4. Iterate improvements

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4. Security Awareness

Avoid including sensitive information:
  • Don’t paste API keys
  • Don’t share database passwords
  • Don’t upload internal business logic

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5. Cost Control

Reasonably control usage costs:
  • Use lighter models for simple tasks
  • Limit maxTokens setting
  • Avoid unnecessary repeated calls

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Shortcut Keys

ShortcutFunction
Ctrl+Shift+P then type “Cline”Open Cline command panel
Ctrl+LOpen Cline chat window
Ctrl+Shift+LExplain selected code
Ctrl+Alt+LGenerate code
Shortcut Key CustomizationYou can customize shortcuts in VS Code settings (File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts, search “Cline”).

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Further Learning

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Official Resources

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Community Support

Need more help? Please visit Laozhang API Official Website or contact our support team.
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