Cursor vs Windsurf
Cursor and Windsurf are both AI-native code editors forked from VS Code, but they take different approaches to AI-assisted development. Cursor focuses on inline edits and codebase-aware chat. Windsurf bets on Cascade — an agentic workflow that plans and executes multi-step tasks autonomously. Both work with YepAPI's llms.txt for instant API access.
Quick verdict
Pick Cursor if you want tight control over every edit. Pick Windsurf if you prefer delegating multi-step tasks to an AI agent.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Cursor | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Base editor | VS Code fork | VS Code fork |
| AI approach | Inline edits + chat | Cascade agentic workflow |
| Multi-file edits | Yes — Composer mode | Yes — Cascade flows |
| Codebase indexing | Full project context | Full project context |
| Free tier | Limited completions | Limited credits |
| Pro pricing | $20/month | $15/month |
| AI models | GPT-4o, Claude, custom | GPT-4o, Claude, custom |
| Terminal integration | Built-in | Built-in |
| Extensions | VS Code extensions | VS Code extensions |
| Best for | Precise inline control | Autonomous multi-step tasks |
Pros and cons
Cursor
Windsurf
When to use each tool
When to use Cursor
Use Cursor when you want to stay in control. You write the prompt, Cursor shows the diff, you accept or reject. It's ideal for experienced developers who want AI to speed up their workflow without taking over. Great for refactoring, adding features to existing code, and making precise edits across multiple files.
Learn more about Cursor+ YepAPI →When to use Windsurf
Use Windsurf when you want to delegate. Describe a feature — "add user authentication with Google OAuth" — and Cascade plans the steps, creates files, writes code, and runs commands. It's ideal for rapid prototyping, greenfield projects, and builders who prefer describing what they want over directing every change.
Learn more about Windsurf+ YepAPI →Three steps. That’s it.
Get your API key
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Drop the doc link
Paste our llms.txt into your AI tool. It instantly understands 100+ endpoints.
Start building
Describe what you want. Your AI writes the API calls. You ship it.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Both are VS Code forks, so your extensions, keybindings, and settings transfer. Export your VS Code settings and import them into either editor.
Both support GPT-4o and Claude. Cursor lets you bring your own API key for custom models. Windsurf routes through their own API. The model quality is comparable — the difference is in how each editor uses the models.
Yes. Drop YepAPI's llms.txt link into either editor's chat or context. Both read the documentation and write correct API calls for all 100+ endpoints.
Start vibe coding with one API key.
One API key. 100+ endpoints. Yep, that's it.