Windsurf Setup

Successful installation is not the same as migrating a workflow. Decide whether Windsurf will be a daily editor or a supplementary tool, which capabilities matter most, and which manageable repository to test first.

#First-day setup

1. Install the official version for your operating system and complete sign-in/plan checks.
2. Add windsurf to PATH if command-line opening is needed.
3. Import supported VS Code/Cursor settings rather than rebuilding every preference.

#Preserve essential editing habits

Set keybindings, theme, font/tab sizes, formatter, linter and a small set of essential extensions. Reduce migration friction without filling the editor with unnecessary additions.

#Establish project context

Open the complete relevant folder, verify indexing, check whether Cascade can refer to other modules, and test terminal/preview integration. A chat response that sounds informed does not prove the repository context is complete.

Avoid the most complex production monorepo as the first test: it makes context and tool limitations hard to distinguish.

#Test three layers

Editor: familiar formatting, linting and navigation.

AI: useful completion and Cascade's understanding of a small known task.

Terminal/preview: a working local preview and the ability to share an error with Cascade.

#Good initial tasks

Explain a familiar component, fix a bounded bug, add a test to an existing module, or address one lint/runtime error. Do not begin with a whole-project refactor.

#Common problems

Imported settings may still need adaptation to the AI workflow. Unstable edits call for checking indexing, repository scope and key context. Noisy completion may require adjusting timing and acceptance habits rather than treating it as broken.

Try one category of real work for three to five days before deciding on a full switch. Continued productive use is a better migration test than installation success.

#Related pages

• Cascade guide
• Autocomplete guide
• Windsurf overview