Windsurf is an AI code editor built around Cascade as its primary interaction surface. Chat mode supports code explanation and planning, while Code mode can use tools, edit multiple files, and carry out development work. The goal is to keep codebase understanding, implementation, and result review inside the same editing environment.
Cascade can use project context from the editor, run terminal commands, and respond to code problems or linter output as it continues working. For features and refactors that cross file boundaries, it can locate relevant code and apply a sequence of changes. Checkpoints provide recovery points for larger edits, but users should still inspect the diff and run the repository's tests. Windsurf uses Memories, Rules, and AGENTS.md files to preserve ongoing constraints, while Workflows and Skills package repeatable procedures. It can also connect to external tools through MCP. These capabilities help individuals and teams with established engineering practices, but higher autonomy makes explicit permissions, project rules, and validation commands more important.