What Is Windsurf? How to Use the AI-Powered Code Editor and What It Can Do [Updated 2026]

What you'll learn in this article

• The basic features and how Windsurf works
• 5 key things you can do with Windsurf
• Step-by-step instructions for beginners
• The pros and cons of Windsurf
• Who Windsurf is best suited for

What Is Windsurf?

Windsurf is an editor (a tool for writing code) where AI automatically helps you program. It was created by an American company called Codeium.

With a standard editor, humans have to write all the code themselves. With Windsurf, however, you simply describe what you want to do, and the AI automatically rewrites multiple files for you.

It is built on top of Visual Studio Code (VSCode), a widely used editor, so you can work in a familiar interface. Released at the end of 2024, it is now used in 2026 by everyone from beginners to professionals.

What You Can Do with Windsurf

Windsurf includes many features that make programming easier. Here we introduce the 5 main ones.

1. Edit Multiple Files at Once with Cascade

Cascade is Windsurf's standout feature. When you tell it what you want to do, the AI automatically determines which files in your entire project need to be changed. Even changes that span multiple files can be completed with a single instruction.

2. Run Terminal Commands with Plain-Language Instructions

With simple instructions like "run the tests" or "start the server," the AI executes complex commands for you. Even beginners who are intimidated by the terminal (the black command-line screen) can feel at ease.

3. Skip Typing with Automatic Code Completion

As you start writing code, the AI predicts and suggests what should come next. Just press the Tab key to accept the suggestion, dramatically reducing how much you need to type.

4. Automatically Find the Cause of Errors

When there is an error in your code, the AI reads the results from the Linter (a code-checking tool) and proposes fixes. This significantly cuts down the time spent debugging.

5. Understand Your Entire Project and Make Suggestions

Windsurf has its own built-in RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) system. It automatically determines which files in the project are relevant to your current task and offers appropriate suggestions.

How to Use Windsurf

Even first-time users can get started easily by following the steps below.

Step 1: Download from the Official Website

Go to Codeium's official website (https://codeium.com/windsurf). You can download it for Windows, Mac, or Linux. Download the installer and run it.

Step 2: Create an Account

When you launch Windsurf, a sign-up (account registration) screen will appear. You can register with your email address or with a Google or GitHub account. You can get started right away on the free plan.

Step 3: Open Cascade

Click the circular icon (the Cascade icon) at the top of the editor. A chat interface where you can communicate with the AI will open on the right side. Type your instructions here.

Step 4: Give Instructions in Plain Language

For example, type instructions like "Create a login screen" or "Change the error messages to English." The AI will automatically write code or edit files. You can preview the changes before applying them, so make sure to review them first.

Step 5: Add Language Settings (Optional)

If you want the AI to respond in English, open "Edit global rules" from the settings screen and add language: English. The AI will then explain things in English.

Pros and Cons of Windsurf

Windsurf has both strengths and things to watch out for. Let's look at each.

Pros

• Beginner-friendly: The UI is simple, so you won't get lost figuring out what to click.
• Free to start: Even the free plan gives you 25 AI instructions per month.
• Powerful automatic analysis: The AI determines which files to edit, making instructions easy.
• Smooth performance: Responses are fast, so you can work without frustration.
• Easy setup: You can be up and running within minutes of downloading.

Cons

• Usage limits on the free plan: You are limited to 25 instructions per month. Heavy users will need a paid plan ($15–$20/month).
• Can be unstable with very large projects: On extremely large projects, it may occasionally make unexpected edits.
• Less flexibility than Cursor: For fine-grained settings and customization, the competing editor Cursor has the edge.
• Some VS Code extensions are not supported: Not all VS Code extensions are compatible.

Who Windsurf Is Recommended For

Windsurf is especially recommended for people like these:

• Programming beginners: Even if you don't understand complex commands or file structures, the AI will guide you.
• People who want to build things fast: Just describe your requirements, and it will automatically create something from scratch.
• People who want to try the latest AI features: You can be among the first to experience cutting-edge agentic features like Cascade.
• People working on small to medium-sized projects: It's ideal for indie developers and startups.
• People already using Cursor or Copilot: Switching to or using Windsurf alongside your current tool can boost your productivity even further.

On the other hand, for very large enterprise projects or advanced users who need fine-grained customization, Cursor may be a better fit.

Summary

• Windsurf is an editor where AI automatically writes code for you
• The Cascade feature lets you edit multiple files at once
• You can run terminal commands with plain-language instructions
• The free plan includes 25 AI instructions per month
• Its beginner-friendly UI and powerful automatic analysis are its biggest draws
• It is recommended for programming beginners and anyone who wants to develop quickly

Using Windsurf significantly lowers the barrier to programming. Start by trying the free plan and experience the joy of writing code together with AI.

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This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.