Windsurf is an AI-native code editor built from the ground up with AI capabilities at its core, offering autonomous coding assistance through its Cascade agent.
## What is Windsurf?
Formerly known as Codeium, Windsurf evolved from an AI code completion tool into a full AI-native IDE. It's built on VS Code's foundation but reimagined with AI at every layer.
## Key Differentiators
- Cascade: Autonomous AI agent that understands your entire codebase
- Flows: AI-aware of your actions, providing proactive suggestions
- Multi-file editing: AI edits across multiple files simultaneously
- Deep indexing: Understands project structure, dependencies, and patterns
- Free tier: Generous free usage with premium options
## Installation & Setup
- Download Windsurf from windsurf.com
- Install and launch — familiar VS Code-like interface
- Sign in for AI features
- Open your project folder
- Wait for initial codebase indexing
## Understanding the Interface
The interface mirrors VS Code with AI additions: - Editor: Main coding area with inline AI suggestions - Cascade panel: AI chat and autonomous agent - Terminal: Integrated command line - Extensions: VS Code extension compatibility - AI status: Shows indexing and AI processing state
## Cascade Agent
Cascade is Windsurf's autonomous coding agent:
- Understands your entire project context
- Makes changes across multiple files
- Runs terminal commands when needed
- Explains reasoning behind changes
- Asks for approval before making significant changes
## First AI Interaction
Open Cascade and try: - "Explain the architecture of this project" - "Find all API endpoints in this codebase" - "What does the authentication flow look like?" - "Create a new React component for user settings"