Windsurf — writing code
with a real AI Agent
Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is not just another code editor with autocomplete — it's an IDE built on Cascade, an AI Agent that understands the entire project, makes multi-file changes, and reacts to results in real time. This is Vibe Coding in its full form.
What is Windsurf and why is it different?
Windsurf was launched in 2024 by Codeium, and has since grown into one of the most popular code editors in the AI world. Unlike Copilot, which completes lines, and unlike Cursor, which combines chat and edit, Windsurf rebuilt the idea from the ground up: the AI is an active Agent that sees everything you see, remembers what it did, and plans moves ahead.
The central concept is "Flows" — an Agent mode that behaves like an experienced colleague, not a tool. The AI decides on its own which files to open, which commands to run, and how to solve the problem end to end.
The term "Vibe Coding" (coined by Andrej Karpathy in 2025) describes an approach where you write code in a conversation with AI — you describe what you want, the AI writes, you review and steer. Windsurf is the tool that realizes this vision most fully today.
Cascade — the heart of Windsurf
Cascade is the AI Agent that runs inside Windsurf. What sets it apart from other AI tools:
npm install, pytest, git commit — and see the output to continue.Flows vs Requests — when to use which
Windsurf offers two main working modes with Cascade. The right choice between them greatly affects the quality and speed of the result.
| Feature |
⚡ Flows Agent mode |
💬 Requests Chat mode |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomy | High — decides on its own | Low — waits for instructions |
| Number of files | Multi-file automatic | Mainly the current file |
| Best use | New features, Refactor | Questions, explanations, small updates |
| Credit consumption | More | Less |
| Control | Lower | Higher |
| Running the terminal | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
UseFlows when you know what you want but not how to implement it. UseRequests when you want an explanation, want to ask a question, or are making a small, defined change. Flows = do it; Requests = explain to me.
Vibe Coding — the new way of working
Vibe Coding isn't just a gimmick — it's a work method that changes what you can build and how quickly. Here's how to do it right:
Step 1 — describe the project in a README file
Before you start, create a README.md with a clear description of what you're building. Cascade will use it as context for the whole conversation. Rule: the better the context, the better the result.
# My Project
## What is it?
A Task Manager app in React + Supabase
## Stack
- Frontend: React 18, Tailwind, TypeScript
- Backend: Supabase (Auth + DB)
- Deploy: Vercel
## What already exists
- [x] React project set up
- [ ] Auth with Supabase
- [ ] CRUD for tasksStep 2 — open a Flow with a clear description
In Windsurf, open Cascade by clicking ⌘L and choose Flow. Write what you want in plain language:
"Create a login screen with Supabase Auth. Include: a form with email and password, validation, error messages, and a redirect to the dashboard after a successful login. Update router.tsx to add the new route."
Step 3 — review, steer, repeat
Cascade will show you the changes before it makes them. For each file you can approve, reject, or request a change. After a run, describe what didn't work and the Agent will continue from that point.
Windsurf vs Cursor — which to choose?
Both platforms are excellent. The main differences are in approach, price and technical details. Here's a straight comparison:
| Criterion | Windsurf | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| AI approach | Agent-first (Flows) | Chat + Composer |
| Pro price | $15/month | $20/month |
| Codebase indexing | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
| MCP Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Model selection | More limited | More flexible |
| Extensions | VS Code Extensions | VS Code Extensions |
| Agent autonomy | Higher | Medium |
| Privacy Mode | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
Advanced tips for Windsurf
1. Use Rules to set code style
Windsurf supports a .windsurfrules file at the project root — just like .cursorrules. These are settings Cascade reads in every conversation:
# .windsurfrules
- variable names: camelCase
- every function must have JSDoc
- don't use any in TypeScript
- Tailwind only for styling, no custom CSS
- always check that the app is responsive on mobile2. Checkpoint before big changes
Before starting a big Flow — make a git commit. Cascade can change many files, and a recent checkpoint allows a fast undo if the result isn't what you expected.
3. Describe errors precisely
When there's an error, copy the full error into Cascade — including the stack trace. "I have an error" is far less effective than "TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'map') at UserList.jsx:45".
Windsurf includes "Supercomplete" — smart code completion that understands your intent and doesn't just continue syntax. If you write // TODO: add validation and start typing, it suggests all the relevant validation based on the project's context.
4. Connect MCP Servers to your development environment
Windsurf supports MCP. In Settings ← Cascade ← MCP Servers, connect servers like Supabase, GitHub or Postgres. Cascade will be able to query the DB, open PRs and check logs — all without leaving the IDE.
Quick start — 5 minutes from download to code
- Download Windsurf from windsurf.com — available for Mac, Windows and Linux. The installation automatically imports settings from VS Code.
- Sign up with GitHub/Google — the free plan includes 25 Flow credits and 5 Request credits per day.
- Open an existing or new project — type ⌘L to open Cascade.
- Choose Flow and describe what you want to build. Cascade will start working.
- Approve changes — for each file Cascade proposes changing, you can approve, reject or request a change.
The free version includes a daily quota. Large Flows consume more credits. If you run out — wait until the next day or upgrade to Pro ($15/month) for unlimited credits.
Windsurf represents the next stage in software development. Not just autocomplete — but an AI partner that understands what you're building, performs complex tasks, and lets you focus on the vision rather than the implementation details. This is Vibe Coding in its most mature form.