All comparisons

Claude Code vs Windsurf

A head-to-head look at Claude Code and Windsurf — two popular AI coding agents — and how BuySkills fits into each workflow.

Terminal CLI

Claude Code

Claude Code is Anthropic's official terminal-first coding agent. It pairs deeply with Claude models, supports MCP servers, and runs entirely from your shell — making it a natural fit for developers who live in the command line.

Claude Code plugins on BuySkills

Standalone IDE

Windsurf

Windsurf (formerly Codeium) is a VS Code-based editor built around Cascade, an agent that can reason over your whole codebase and execute multi-step workflows. It targets teams that want agentic pair programming out of the box.

Windsurf plugins on BuySkills

Side-by-side

Dimension Claude Code Windsurf
Surface Terminal CLI Standalone IDE
In a nutshell Anthropic's official command-line coding agent Codeium's agentic IDE with Cascade
BuySkills install command npx buyskills install <skill> npx buyskills install <skill>
Cross-agent skill sharing Yes — via BuySkills Yes — via BuySkills

Use both with a single skill catalog

You don't have to pick. BuySkills lets you install a skill once and use it across Claude Code, Windsurf, and every other supported AI coding agent — without repurchasing or reconfiguring.

  • One command to install in either agent: npx buyskills install <skill>
  • Skills pinned to a version you choose — Claude Code or Windsurf updates won't break your loop
  • Explore plugins by category: testing, refactoring, documentation, git workflows, and more
Testing for Claude Code Refactoring for Claude Code Documentation for Claude Code Git Workflows for Claude Code Deployment for Claude Code Database for Claude Code

Claude Code vs Windsurf — FAQ

Should I pick Claude Code or Windsurf?

It depends on where you work. Claude Code is anthropic's official command-line coding agent, while Windsurf is codeium's agentic ide with cascade. Many developers use both and share skills across them via BuySkills — so the choice is less binary than it used to be.

Can I use the same plugins in Claude Code and Windsurf?

Yes. BuySkills is designed for cross-agent portability. Install a skill once with the BuySkills CLI and it becomes available in both Claude Code and Windsurf — and every other supported agent — without a second purchase or install.

How is installing BuySkills skills different between Claude Code and Windsurf?

It isn't, from your side. You run `npx buyskills install <skill>`, and the CLI writes the skill to the directory each agent reads from. Claude Code and Windsurf pick up the skill without any extra config.

Where does Claude Code store installed skills?

Claude Code reads skills from the `.claude/skills/` directory (either project-local or `~/.claude/skills/` global). BuySkills installs into the right location automatically based on whether you choose a global or per-project install.

Do skills work with Windsurf's Cascade agent?

Yes. BuySkills installs skills into Windsurf's shared skill directory, and Cascade picks them up without restart. Skills are available the moment Cascade decides to use them in a workflow.

Still deciding?

Install BuySkills CLI once and the skills you discover today work in whichever agent you pick tomorrow.

Explore the marketplace