All comparisons

OpenCode vs Windsurf

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

Terminal CLI

OpenCode

OpenCode is an open-source, terminal-based AI coding agent that works with any provider — Anthropic, OpenAI, local models, and more. Its provider-agnostic design makes it a favorite for developers who want portability.

OpenCode 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 OpenCode Windsurf
Surface Terminal CLI Standalone IDE
In a nutshell Open-source terminal AI 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 OpenCode, 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 — OpenCode or Windsurf updates won't break your loop
  • Explore plugins by category: testing, refactoring, documentation, git workflows, and more
Testing for OpenCode Refactoring for OpenCode Documentation for OpenCode Git Workflows for OpenCode Deployment for OpenCode Database for OpenCode

OpenCode vs Windsurf — FAQ

Should I pick OpenCode or Windsurf?

It depends on where you work. OpenCode is open-source terminal ai 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 OpenCode and Windsurf?

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

How is installing BuySkills skills different between OpenCode 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. OpenCode and Windsurf pick up the skill without any extra config.

Does OpenCode support MCP alongside BuySkills skills?

Yes. OpenCode supports MCP servers and BuySkills skills in parallel. You can use MCP for long-running services and BuySkills for bundled, versioned capabilities — they do not conflict.

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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