Windsurf: A new generation of AI-driven IDE user guide

Windsurf is a new generation AI-driven integrated development environment (IDE) launched by Codeium. It is developed based on VS Code and deeply integrates powerful AI functions, aiming to revolutionize developers' coding experience. It's called an "active IDE" that combines features like Cursor and GitHub Copilot and innovates on them. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to using Windsurf to help you get started quickly and make full use of its powerful AI capabilities.

Windsurf core features

• Flows: Windsurf emphasizes the in-depth collaboration between human developers and AI. It can not only serve as your "copilot" (Copilot) to provide auxiliary functions such as code completion and suggestions, but also serve as an independent "agent" ( Agent) handles more complex tasks autonomously and better adapts to your coding needs.

• Cascade: Windsurf not only has in-depth code base understanding capabilities, but also can perceive developer behavior in real time and analyze developer intentions, thereby providing a smarter collaboration experience. It not only provides suggestions for the next line of code, but also predicts what you may do next and provides corresponding tools and support.

• Context-aware: Windsurf is powerfully context-aware, understanding the overall structure of the code base and the relationships between codes to provide more accurate and relevant code recommendations.

• Multi-language support: Windsurf supports multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, etc., to meet the needs of different developers.

How to use Windsurf

1. Download and install:

• Visit Codeium official website:

  https://codeium.com/windsurf

• Download the appropriate installation package according to your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

• Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation. Please note that Windows systems require at least Win10 or higher.

2. Start and log in:

• After the installation is complete, launch Windsurf.

• You need to register a Codeium account and log in to use Windsurf's AI functionality. You can register an account on the Codeium official website.

3. Configure Flows:

• When you start Windsurf for the first time, you need to configure Flows, that is, set how Windsurf is used.

• You can choose to import configurations and plug-ins from VS Code, or you can choose to start fresh and choose a shortcut key scheme for VS Code or Vim.

4. Choose a topic:

• Windsurf provides a variety of themes for you to choose from, and you can set them according to your personal preferences.

5. Using Cascade:

• Write (write mode): used to modify and generate code. You can enter natural language to describe your needs, and Windsurf will generate code based on your description.

• Read (read mode): used to ask questions to AI. You can ask code-related questions, get code explanations, and more.

• Use the shortcut Ctrl + L (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + L (macOS) to open the Cascade panel.

• Cascade offers two collaboration modes:

6. Use Flows for code generation and editing:

• In Write mode, you can enter natural language to describe your needs, such as "Create a typing game", and Windsurf will help you generate relevant code files, install necessary libraries, and even run the game with one click.

• You can also copy existing code into Windsurf and then use Write mode to modify and edit it.

7. Actual project application:

• Windsurf can be applied to various types of projects, including web development, mobile app development, back-end development, and more.

• You can use Windsurf to generate HTML pages, create API interfaces, write test cases, etc.

Comparison of Windsurf and other AI programming tools

Windsurf is similar to tools like Cursor and GitHub Copilot, but has its own unique advantages:

• Stronger context awareness: Windsurf can better understand the context of the code base and provide more accurate code suggestions.

• Smarter collaboration mode: Cascade's Write mode and Read mode provide a more flexible collaboration method, and you can choose different modes according to your needs.

• Active IDE: Windsurf not only passively provides code completion, but also proactively analyzes your intentions and provides corresponding tools and support.

Summarize

Windsurf is a powerful AI-driven IDE that greatly improves developers' coding efficiency through innovative features such as Flows and Cascade. Whether you're an experienced developer or a beginner, you can better harness the power of AI and enhance your coding experience with Windsurf.