# Cascade in Devin Desktop

Local coding agent in Devin Desktop with code and chat modes, tool calls, planning, checkpoints, MCP, and reusable workflows.

Canonical profile: https://agenten-kompass.mmeierhoff.chatgpt.site/en/agents/windsurf-cascade/
Editor: [Michael Meierhoff](https://agenten-kompass.mmeierhoff.chatgpt.site/en/about/)
Sources reviewed: 2026-09-30
Basis: provider documentation. Examples are editorial suggestions, not hands-on product tests.

## Overview

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.

- Provider: Cognition
- Product family: Devin
- Profile type: Local IDE agent
- Environment: Devin Desktop and Windsurf plugins
- Connections: Editor, terminal, web search, MCP, workflows, skills, and hooks
- Setup: Install Devin Desktop, open the workspace, and select Cascade as the local agent
- Pricing model: Check plans and usage

## Key features

### Code and chat mode

Code Mode may change files; Chat Mode answers questions and can suggest code to insert.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade

### Maintain a plan and task list

A planning agent refines longer projects, and Cascade tracks progress in a task list.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade

### Use the editor, terminal and web search

Cascade uses project context, terminal, search tools, and other integrated tools in the desktop editor.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade

### Reset changes with checkpoints

Named checkpoints and reverts restore an earlier project state from the conversation.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade

### Connect MCP tools

Custom MCP servers provide Cascade with additional tools and services.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/mcp

### Run repeatable workflows

Markdown workflows describe fixed sequences of steps and are started manually with slash commands.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/workflows

## Requirements and limits

### Cascade is a legacy agent in Devin Desktop

Limitation: New tabs use Devin Local by default; Cascade remains selectable but has its own older configurations and features.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/mcp

### Tool calls per prompt are limited

Limitation: The documentation states a default of 40 calls per prompt; continuations consume additional usage.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade

### Workflows only start manually

Limitation: Cascade does not invoke workflows independently; automatic selection is intended for skills.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/workflows

### Configure MCP manually

Requirement: Cascade MCPs are configured in a JSON file; Marketplace and one-click installation belong to Devin Local Agent.

Source: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/mcp

## Example workflows

### 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.

## Context

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.

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.

## Sources

- https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade

- https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/mcp

- https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/workflows

- https://docs.windsurf.com/de/windsurf/cascade/hooks

- https://windsurf.com/editor

[Sources and method](https://agenten-kompass.mmeierhoff.chatgpt.site/en/sources/)