Faster & Better coding than the Codeium extension? Meet the Windsurf Editor
Hey folks! If you've been using Codeium as your go-to AI coding buddy, it's time to update your bookmarks (and maybe your brain). Because Codeium just got a whole new name and identity:
Codeium is now Windsurf.
Same vision, same team - just with more flow. Literally.
But this isn't just a name change. It's a whole evolution. And today, we're diving deep into what's new, what's better, and why you should care - especially if you're a developer looking to level up your productivity.
Why the name change to Windsurf?
Let's be honest, Codeium was a bit of a spelling nightmare for many, and the name started to feel more about just "code" than the complete dev experience. Windsurf captures the feeling of gliding through your dev work with the wind at your back - no friction, just flow.
So…
What is the Windsurf Editor?
The Windsurf Editor is a full-fledged AI-powered IDE - not just an extension like before.
Think of it like this:
The Codeium extension lived inside your VS Code or JetBrains IDE.
The Windsurf Editor is the IDE. A standalone platform tailored from scratch to give you a tighter, faster, and more AI-native dev experience.
And yes, it's lightning fast. 🧠⚡
What happened to the old extensions?
Don't worry! The existing extensions aren't going anywhere - they've just been renamed:
Windsurf Plugins = Formerly Codeium extensions.
You can still use them in VS Code or JetBrains, but honestly, after trying the Windsurf Editor, you might not want to go back. Here's why…
Windsurf Editor vs Windsurf Plugin (Extension)
Let's talk about Cascade: Your new AI collaborator
In Windsurf Editor, chat isn't just chat anymore. It's called Cascade. Think of it like an AI teammate that understands your code and your intention.
You choose a mode - either:
✍️ Write - AI will directly make code changes in your file.
💬 Chat - More exploratory, you can ask questions and get context-aware help.
Cascade understands your workspace, your files, and even what's open in your editor. So suggestions are a lot more accurate and impactful than a generic LLM in a browser.
Smarter, Context-Aware Suggestions
Real-time Preview Before You Accept Changes
Let's say you're working on an HTML/CSS file and ask Cascade to tweak something. Before you hit "Apply," the Windsurf Editor shows you a live preview of the webpage, so you know exactly what you're getting.
No more guesswork. No more "Oh crap, that broke everything."
What about existing VS Code users?
Good news: Windsurf Editor can import your VS Code settings and extensions. So switching over doesn't feel like starting from scratch.
You still get:
- The familiar layout
- Your favorite themes
- Your keyboard shortcuts But now with a smarter brain and tighter workflow.
So, should you switch?
If you're using Codeium (Windsurf Plugin) inside VS Code and you're happy with it, that's great.
But if you're ready to:
Work faster with deeper AI integration
Get more accurate, context-rich suggestions
Preview changes before applying them
Have a single editor that just flows
Then yes - Windsurf Editor is definitely worth the try.
Windsurf's MCP (Model Context Protocol)
What if your AI assistant could not only understand your code…
…but also your external data like PR comments from GitHub, your Slack threads, your Jira tickets, and even your Notion docs?
That's exactly what MCP is built for.
What does MCP do?
MCP allows the Windsurf Editor and Cascade to pull in relevant context from external platforms, giving it a much deeper understanding of what you're trying to do.
Currently, the number of tools that a user can have access to from the MCP servers at one time is limited to 50.
How to Setup ?
Already loving Codeium? Read my previous blog
shreyashupare.Medium
Give it a try..
