Editor extension
Kilo
Kilo Code is an open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code. It focuses on clean multi-file planning, transparent edits, and bring-your-own-model flexibility.
Kilo plugins on BuySkills
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Kilo vs Windsurf
A head-to-head look at Kilo and Windsurf — two popular AI coding agents — and how BuySkills fits into each workflow.
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 BuySkillsSide-by-side
| Dimension | Kilo | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Editor extension | Standalone IDE |
| In a nutshell | Open-source autonomous coding agent, VS Code | 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 Kilo, 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 — Kilo or Windsurf updates won't break your loop
- Explore plugins by category: testing, refactoring, documentation, git workflows, and more
Kilo vs Windsurf — FAQ
Should I pick Kilo or Windsurf?
It depends on where you work. Kilo is open-source autonomous coding agent, vs code, 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 Kilo and Windsurf?
Yes. BuySkills is designed for cross-agent portability. Install a skill once with the BuySkills CLI and it becomes available in both Kilo and Windsurf — and every other supported agent — without a second purchase or install.
How is installing BuySkills skills different between Kilo 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. Kilo and Windsurf pick up the skill without any extra config.
Does Kilo pick up new skills without restart?
Yes. BuySkills writes to Kilo's skill directory on install, and Kilo re-scans before each agent run. New skills are available immediately without reloading VS Code.
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.
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