Overview
Devin Desktop is an AI code editor from Codeium (formerly Windsurf and Codeium Editor), with Cascade streaming AI programming experience as its core selling point. It is built on VS Code but redesigned the AI interaction method—Cascade can actively understand your intent, search code, make suggestions, and execute modifications like a pair programming partner. Similar to Cursor's Composer but with a different interaction experience, Devin Desktop emphasizes AI coherence and autonomy. The free version offers decent AI capabilities.
Key Features
- Cascade Streaming Programming: AI continuously understands requirements, analyzes code, and proposes modifications in a streaming manner
- Context Awareness: Deeply understands the structure and dependencies of the entire codebase
- Multi-file Editing: Modify multiple files in one operation, handling cross-file dependencies
- AI Code Completion: Intelligent code completion based on Supercomplete
- Command Execution: AI can execute commands and run tests in the terminal
- VS Code Compatibility: Built on VS Code, supports existing extensions and settings
- Agent Editor: Editor interface for managing local and cloud agents, supporting planning, delegation, review, and delivery
- Sessions: Session management feature, tracking agent running status, supporting creation and management of sessions
- Spaces: Space management feature, organizing agents and projects, supporting filtering by space and displaying status
Use Cases
- AI assistance for daily programming
- Code refactoring and cross-file modifications
- Alternative for developers who don't want to use Cursor
- Developers seeking an advanced AI programming experience
- Developers in need of a free AI programming tool
Pros
- Unique Cascade experience: streaming programming interaction feels natural
- Good free version capabilities: friendly for light users
- Good context understanding: deep understanding of the entire project
- VS Code compatibility: low migration cost
- Rapid continuous iteration: Codeium team updates frequently
Pricing
Devin Desktop free version provides basic AI programming capabilities and limited Cascade usage. Pro $15/month (more AI quota + advanced features). Teams pricing available upon request.
Summary
Devin Desktop is the most formidable challenger to Cursor—the Cascade streaming programming experience indeed has its uniqueness. If you find Cursor too expensive or want to try a different AI programming experience, Devin Desktop is worth a try. However, currently Cursor still leads in overall polish, so it is recommended to try both before making a choice.