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Windsurf
Windsurf is an artificial intelligence-based code editor in which a built-in agent independently writes, fixes, and runs code on the developer's instructions.
In plain terms
Windsurf is a program where software developers write their code, only with a built-in AI assistant. It is like a text editor that has not only a spell checker but also a co-author: you tell it what you want, and it writes the chapter outline.
The built-in agent is called Cascade. It does not just complete the next line: it reviews the parts of the project needed for the task, modifies multiple files at once, runs commands, and if it finds an error, it tries to fix it. Meanwhile, you approve or reject what it did.
Windsurf is a competitor to Cursor and GitHub Copilot; all three accelerate programming with AI. Windsurf was built from the start to have agents complete longer, multi-step tasks rather than just offering tips. Today, competitors also offer a similar agent mode.
How it works
- You open your project in Windsurf, which is built on the widely known Visual Studio Code editor, so its handling is familiar to many developers.
- The program maps the project files so the agent knows what is where and what depends on what.
- In everyday language, you describe the task, for example, 'add a login page'. The agent creates a plan and proceeds step by step.
- The agent uses a large language model to write or rewrite code, runs commands if necessary, and tests the result.
- It shows you the changes. You can accept them, undo them, or refine them with further instructions.
An everyday example
A web developer at a small business asks Windsurf to add a coupon code field to the webshop's cart page. The agent finds the relevant files, writes the changes, runs the tests, and the developer reviews and approves the result.
Who is affected
A common misconception
Limits and risks
- An agent can confidently write faulty or insecure code, so everything must be reviewed before going live.
- Details of your code may end up on the servers of the provider and model manufacturers, so for sensitive or corporate projects, check the data processing terms first.
- The subscription price and usable quota often change; larger tasks can quickly consume the monthly limit.
- The company's ownership background changed suddenly in 2025, reminding us that a workflow built on a tool also depends on the manufacturer's fate.
Similar, but not the same
- Cursor – Cursor is a similar AI-based code editor from another company, Anysphere, and a direct competitor of Windsurf.
- GitHub Copilot – Copilot is primarily an add-on integrated into existing editors, whereas Windsurf is a standalone, full editor program.
- Devin – Devin is a coding agent that works independently in the background, while Windsurf is an editor where you and the agent collaborate.
Related concepts
A brief history
The Windsurf editor was introduced by the American company Codeium in November 2024, and in April 2025 the company itself adopted the name Windsurf. In July 2025, OpenAI's acquisition plan of approximately 3 billion dollars failed. CEO Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and several researchers moved to Google, which paid approximately 2.4 billion dollars for the rights to use the technology. The product and the rest of the team were acquired by Cognition, the developer of Devin, a few days later.
Where things stand
As of late 2026, Windsurf, a Cognition product, is one of the well-known AI code editors. It faces strong competition from Cursor, GitHub Copilot and command-line coding agents, so its features and pricing change frequently.
Also known as
Windsurf · Windsurf Editor · Windsurf IDE · Codeium · Codeium Windsurf · Windsurf Cascade · Windsurf coding agent
Sources
This entry was machine-edited and has undergone machine expert review; the “In the news” section updates automatically from Agent Age stories.