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I Found a 14x Cheaper Alternative to Cursor
Cline + Deepseek V3 ≈ Cursor
Introduction
Cursor is great, but let’s face it: it’s expensive (I have too many subscriptions already). With the arrival of DeepSeek V3, I have found a setup that works well and costs significantly less. By combining the VSCode extension Cline with the super affordable AI model Deepseek V3, I get reliable AI coding assistance at a fraction of the price. Here’s how it works.
Cline: The VSCode Extension of Autonomous Coding Agent
Cline is a powerful VSCode plugin that helps developers with AI-assisted programming. It can analyze and generate code intelligently, handle file operations, run terminal commands, and even assist with web development. It supports various models and API providers, giving users flexible options. Plus, its efficient caching system and cost tracking features make it a budget-friendly choice.
Deepseek V3: Affordable and Effective
Deepseek V3 is a Chinese multi-modal AI model that delivers solid results at a much lower price point. At ~$2 USD…