Windsurf Editor: The AI-First IDE Taking On Cursor in 2024
An in-depth look at Windsurf, the new AI-powered code editor from Codeium. Discover how it compares to Cursor and Copilot, and whether it's the future of AI-assisted development.
The landscape of AI-powered development tools is heating up. While GitHub Copilot has become a staple for many, and Cursor has carved out a niche as an "AI-first" editor, a new contender has entered the ring: Windsurf, from the creators of the popular Copilot alternative, Codeium.
Windsurf isn't just another autocompletion tool; it's a full-fledged IDE designed from the ground up for an autonomous, AI-driven workflow. But does it live up to the hype?
The Core Features: Beyond Autocomplete
Windsurf's power lies in a few key features that set it apart.
- Flow Mode: Autonomous task completion that can understand high-level requests and make changes across multiple files.
- Cascade: The underlying engine that provides deep, multi-file codebase context.
- Supercomplete: Advanced, highly contextual code predictions.
- Generous Free Tier: Includes a 2-week Pro trial and then 25 prompt credits per month.
Flow Mode: Autonomous Task Completion
This is Windsurf's standout feature. Instead of just suggesting code, you can give Flow Mode a high-level task, like "add a new endpoint to the API for fetching user profiles." It will then:
- Analyze the codebase to understand the existing patterns.
- Identify the files that need to be changed.
- Generate the code for the new endpoint, including the route, handler, and any necessary data models.
- Present a diff of all the proposed changes for you to review and approve.
This is a significant step towards autonomous development, where the AI acts as a junior developer, taking on well-defined tasks.
Windsurf vs. Cursor vs. Copilot
| Feature | Windsurf | Cursor | Copilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autonomous Coding | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Codebase Awareness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stability | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free Tier | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Extensions | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price (Pro) | $15/month | $20/month | $10/month |
- Copilot is the least intrusive. It enhances your existing workflow.
- Cursor changes the workflow to be more chat-centric, allowing you to have a conversation with your codebase.
- Windsurf takes it a step further, aiming to automate entire tasks and positioning the developer as a reviewer or architect.
The Business Model: A Generous Free Tier
One of Windsurf's most appealing aspects is its pricing. It offers a free tier that starts with a 2-week Pro trial and then provides 25 prompt credits per month. While not as extensive as it once was, it's still a great way to test the platform. The Pro plan, at $15/month, offers 500 prompt credits and access to premium models.
My Honest Take
After using Windsurf for several weeks, here are my thoughts:
Pros:
- Flow mode is genuinely impressive for feature development.
- The free tier is incredibly generous.
- The UI is fast and responsive.
Cons:
- It's still a new product and has some bugs.
- The extension marketplace is limited compared to VS Code.
- It takes time to build trust in its autonomous capabilities.
Should You Try It?
Yes, if you:
- Love experimenting with cutting-edge AI tools.
- Frequently work on new projects or features where you can tolerate minor bugs.
- Are excited by the prospect of autonomous coding agents.
Stick with Cursor or VS Code + Copilot if you:
- Need absolute stability for client work.
- Rely heavily on a specific set of VS Code extensions.
- Prefer a more hands-on, line-by-line coding experience with AI assistance.
Conclusion
Windsurf represents a bold vision for the future of software development—one where the developer's role shifts from writing line-by-line code to defining tasks, reviewing AI-generated solutions, and focusing on higher-level architecture.
While it's still rough around the edges, its powerful features, strong backing from Codeium, and developer-friendly pricing make it a compelling option to watch in 2024. It may not replace your current IDE overnight, but it's pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI-assisted development.