Devin · Local IDE agent
Product and access
Windsurf has been renamed Devin Desktop. Cascade remains available there as a separate local agent alongside Devin Local; the documentation now describes some Cascade configurations as legacy.
Core features
6 features from provider sources · sources reviewed on September 30, 2026. Availability and limitations are listed directly below.
Code and chat mode
Code Mode may change files; Chat Mode answers questions and can suggest code to insert.
Source 1Maintain a plan and task list
A planning agent refines longer projects, and Cascade tracks progress in a task list.
Source 1Use the editor, terminal and web search
Cascade uses project context, terminal, search tools, and other integrated tools in the desktop editor.
Source 1Reset changes with checkpoints
Named checkpoints and reverts restore an earlier project state from the conversation.
Source 1Run repeatable workflows
Markdown workflows describe fixed sequences of steps and are started manually with slash commands.
Source 3
Requirements and limits
‘Still open’ means the reviewed sources do not answer this point clearly.
Limitation
Cascade is a legacy agent in Devin Desktop
New tabs use Devin Local by default; Cascade remains selectable but has its own older configurations and features.
Source 2Limitation
Tool calls per prompt are limited
The documentation states a default of 40 calls per prompt; continuations consume additional usage.
Source 1Limitation
Workflows only start manually
Cascade does not invoke workflows independently; automatic selection is intended for skills.
Source 3Requirement
Configure MCP manually
Cascade MCPs are configured in a JSON file; Marketplace and one-click installation belong to Devin Local Agent.
Source 2
Practical tasks
Editorial examples based on documented features. No product tests performed.
Fix a local bug with a checkpoint
- Your input
- An open workspace, reproducible error, and relevant messages from the Problems panel.
- Possible result
- A local change with completed checks and a recoverable starting point.
- What to check
- Review the diff, terminal output, and checkpoint before further changes.
Handle PR comments with a workflow
- Your input
- A reviewed Markdown workflow, PR context, and access to the required tools.
- Possible result
- Comments handled step by step with a list of open questions.
- What to check
- Review each change individually; start the workflow deliberately and confirm external actions.
Plan a local code change, implement it in the editor, run tests in the terminal, and restore the state from before the change if needed.
Your possible prompt
Read the project rules. Investigate [error], propose a small change, and run the relevant checks. Show me the diff and any remaining uncertainties.
Getting-started idea based on documented capabilities. Not an executed product test. Adapt the task, data, and permissions.
What you should know first
Current Cognition documentation following the renaming of Windsurf to Devin Desktop. Cascade remains documented, but for MCP and workflows it is distinguished as a separate legacy agent from the new Devin Local Agent.
Requirements & limitations
Cascade is a separate local agent in Devin Desktop. Some features and configuration paths are considered legacy and differ from the new Devin Local Agent.
Setup
Install Devin Desktop, open a workspace, and select Cascade as the local agent.
Pricing model
Check plan / usage. Check current terms and included quotas with the provider.
The classification indicates the scope of effort. It is not a price or performance commitment.
Sources from the provider
Editorial team: Michael Meierhoff · sources reviewed on . Provider information is not independent evidence of performance.
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docs.devin.ai /desktop/cascade/cascade
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docs.devin.ai /desktop/cascade/mcp
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docs.devin.ai /desktop/cascade/workflows
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docs.windsurf.com /de/windsurf/cascade/hooks
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windsurf.com /editor