Tool setup
Cline + SeaLink
Connect Cline to SeaLink: use Claude models through the Anthropic-compatible endpoint and other chat/code models through the OpenAI-compatible endpoint. One SeaLink API Key covers both.
Prerequisites
- VS Code (latest version recommended)
- Cline extension installed
- A valid SeaLink API Key
- Claude models require a Pay-as-you-go plan
Setup Steps
Install Cline
Open VS Code, go to the Extensions panel (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for 'Cline', and click Install. Once installed, you'll see the Cline icon (a robot avatar) in the left sidebar — that means it's ready to go.
Open Cline settings
Click the Cline icon in the left sidebar to open the panel, then click the gear icon in the top-right corner of the panel. You can also press Ctrl+, to open VS Code settings and search for 'Cline' to jump straight there.
Choose your API Provider and enter SeaLink details
Cline supports multiple API providers. Pick the one that matches the models you want to use: Option A (Anthropic protocol — for Claude models): API Provider: Anthropic Base URL: https://test.sealink.io/anthropic API Key: your SeaLink key Option B (OpenAI protocol — for GPT, Qwen, and other OpenAI-compatible models): API Provider: OpenAI Compatible Base URL: https://test.sealink.io/v1 API Key: your SeaLink key You can use the same SeaLink key for both — no need to create separate ones.
Pick your model
Option A (Anthropic protocol): we recommend claude-sonnet-4-6 or claude-haiku-4-5. Option B (OpenAI protocol): we recommend gpt-4o-mini or qwen3-max. One thing to keep in mind: model IDs must match exactly what's shown on the SeaLink /models page. We suggest copying from the page directly to avoid typos.
Send a test message
Type a simple prompt in the Cline chat, like 'write a hello world function'. If Cline reads files, makes edits, and returns a response, you're all set. Happy coding!
Common Issues
Cline shows 'API Error: 404'
This is usually a Base URL path issue. Here's what to check: • Anthropic protocol should point to https://test.sealink.io/anthropic • OpenAI protocol should point to https://test.sealink.io/v1 Don't append /chat/completions or any other suffix — Cline handles that automatically.
Model error when using Anthropic protocol
Make sure you're using a Claude model (like claude-sonnet-4-6) with the Anthropic protocol. If you'd like to use GPT or Qwen models, switch to Option B (OpenAI Compatible) — different protocols expect different model families.
Tool calls (read file, run command) aren't working
Cline tool use depends on both model capability and your local permission settings. We recommend starting with a model marked as tool-use-capable in the catalog, then validating it in a small project before applying it to your main work.
Can't find Cline in the extensions marketplace
Some networks have trouble reaching the VS Code Marketplace. You can download the .vsix file directly from Cline's GitHub Releases page and install it manually via the 'Install from VSIX' option in the Extensions panel.