Windsurf
The AI-native IDE where Cascade writes, refactors, and ships code alongside you.
What is Windsurf?
Windsurf is an AI-native IDE built on VS Code that goes far beyond autocomplete — its Cascade agent reads your entire codebase, plans multi-step solutions, and executes changes across multiple files in one shot from a plain English instruction. Now evolving into Devin Desktop, it adds a multi-agent command centre with Spaces and Kanban views so developers can orchestrate several AI coding agents at once. Tasks that once took hours of repetitive work can be handed off to the AI while you focus on architecture, design decisions, and the work that actually requires your expertise.
🇦🇺 How Melbourne businesses are using Windsurf:
Melbourne software agencies and tech startups are adopting Windsurf to stretch lean development teams further — with Cascade handling boilerplate, tests, and refactoring while developers focus on client outcomes. Its genuinely generous free tier makes it a no-risk starting point for any Melbourne developer evaluating AI-assisted coding before committing to a subscription.
Key Features
- Cascade agentic coding — an AI agent that reads your whole codebase and executes complex multi-file tasks from a single instruction
- Unlimited Tab completions on every plan including free — the most generous free tier among major AI IDEs
- SWE-1.5 proprietary Fast Agent model built specifically for software engineering, not a repurposed general LLM
- Multi-agent management with Spaces and Kanban view — orchestrate multiple AI agents from one command centre
- Codebase-aware AI chat for explaining, exploring, and modifying unfamiliar code instantly
- MCP integrations out of the box: Sentry, Stripe, Vercel, Datadog, Atlassian, and more
- JetBrains plugin for IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, and WebStorm — no editor switch required
- Cloud sessions for background development tasks that run without occupying your local machine
Who is Windsurf for?
- →Melbourne software developers and agencies wanting agentic AI coding without the upfront cost of premium tools
- →In-house developers at Melbourne tech startups shipping features faster with a lean team
- →Technical co-founders and solo builders who need to move quickly without a full development team
- →JetBrains users who want AI coding agent capabilities without switching away from their familiar IDE
Our Take
Windsurf is one of the strongest AI coding tools available, particularly for developers who want genuine autonomous coding rather than just enhanced autocomplete. Cascade and the emerging multi-agent management layer put it in the same tier as Cursor for complex agentic workflows — with the added advantage of the most generous free tier in the category. The 33% price rise in early 2026 removed its key cost advantage over Cursor, so the decision now comes down to workflow preference and which agentic model feels more natural. For Melbourne teams new to AI IDEs, Windsurf''s free tier is the best place to start before committing to any paid subscription.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cascade agent autonomously plans and executes complex multi-file coding tasks — not just isolated suggestions
- Most generous free tier in its class — unlimited tab completions with a daily-refreshing agent quota
- SWE-1.5 proprietary model is purpose-built for software engineering, delivering sharp, contextually aware results
- JetBrains plugin means teams on IntelliJ or PyCharm can adopt it without switching editors
- Multi-agent management (Spaces and Kanban) is a unique capability at this price point
Cons
- Pro price increased 33% in early 2026 to US$20/month, removing its former cost advantage over Cursor
- Brand in transition from Windsurf to Devin Desktop, which creates some market confusion
- Cascade's broad autonomous changes require careful review before merging to production branches
- Max plan at US$200/month is expensive for teams that need the highest usage tiers
Pricing
Free Plan
Free: unlimited Tab completions, light daily-refreshing agent quota, limited model selection — no credit card required
Paid Plan
Pro: US$20/month — daily and weekly refreshing quotas, SWE-1.5 and premium model access; Max: US$200/month for significantly higher usage limits
Enterprise
Teams: US$40/user/month with team management and admin controls; Enterprise: custom pricing
Frequently Asked Questions — Windsurf
Windsurf (being rebranded as Devin Desktop) is an AI-native IDE built on VS Code that uses its Cascade agent to plan and execute complex coding tasks across multiple files autonomously. You describe a feature or problem in plain English and the agent researches your codebase, plans an approach, and implements the changes — far beyond standard autocomplete. The platform also includes multi-agent management tools for orchestrating several AI coding agents simultaneously.
Related AI Tools
Use Windsurf in your Melbourne business?
Windsurf and AI IDEs help your Melbourne development team move faster — but embedding AI deeply into your business processes takes more than an editor subscription. We help Melbourne companies design AI-assisted development workflows, integrate AI tools safely into production systems, and build custom solutions tailored to your specific business needs and technology stack.