Getting Started with Windsurf IDE
Install Windsurf, activate your Pro subscription, and configure the editor for AI-powered development.
# Getting Started with Windsurf IDE
Windsurf is an AI-native code editor built by Codeium. It looks and feels like VS Code, but it's been rebuilt from the ground up with AI at its core. If you've used Copilot, think of Windsurf as the next evolution — the AI doesn't just autocomplete lines, it understands your entire codebase.
## Why Windsurf Pro?
The free tier gives you basic autocomplete. Pro ($20/mo) unlocks **Cascade** — Windsurf's flagship AI feature. Cascade can edit multiple files simultaneously, understand cross-file dependencies, run terminal commands, and execute multi-step coding tasks. It's the difference between an AI that completes your sentence and one that writes the whole chapter.
## Step 1: Download & Install
Head to [windsurf.com](https://windsurf.com) and download the installer for your OS (macOS, Windows, or Linux). The install is standard — drag to Applications on Mac, run the `.exe` on Windows.
## Step 2: First Launch
Open Windsurf. It will look familiar if you've used VS Code — same layout with a sidebar, editor panel, terminal, and extensions. The key difference is the **Cascade panel** on the right side (the wave icon). This is your AI command center.
## Step 3: Sign In & Activate Pro
Click the account icon in the bottom-left. Sign in with your Codeium account and verify your Pro subscription is active. You'll see a "Pro" badge next to your name.
## Step 4: Import Your Settings
If you're coming from VS Code, Windsurf can import your settings, keybindings, and extensions. Go to **File → Import Settings from VS Code**. Most VS Code extensions work in Windsurf since it's built on the same foundation.
## Step 5: Configure AI Settings
Open Settings (Cmd/Ctrl + ,) and search for "Cascade". Key settings to configure: - **Model**: Select the latest available model (Cascade uses its own fine-tuned models) - **Auto-context**: Enable this so Cascade automatically reads relevant files - **Terminal integration**: Enable so Cascade can run commands
## What We're Building
Over this course, you'll build **NoteFlow** — a markdown note-taking app using Electron and React. You'll use Cascade for everything: scaffolding, feature development, debugging, and refactoring. By the end, you'll have a polished desktop app and deep fluency with AI-assisted coding.
## Next Up
In Lesson 2, you'll meet Cascade and learn how to have productive conversations with an AI that understands your code.