An IDE where the agent keeps up with what you are doing across the codebase. Built by Cognition.
Others in coding agent
Aider
Claude CodeThe terminal agent, taught properly: the loop, the permissions, the files that make it behave.
Cline
Codex CLIThe coding agent, taught from the boundary in: what it may touch, and how you widen it.Common questions
Is Windsurf free to use?
Windsurf is open source and free to run yourself. You still pay whichever model provider you point it at, and this tutorial is free with no signup.
Do I need to know Python to use Windsurf?
Basic Python is enough. Functions, dictionaries and imports cover most of what Windsurf asks of you.
When should I not use Windsurf?
When something else in coding agent fits the job better. The others in that group are listed below.
Lessons for Windsurf are being written. Meanwhile the APIs for AI tutorial covers the same ground: state, tools, loops, memory and human approval. Most of it carries straight over.
Start the APIs for AI tutorial →