All comparisons

Roo vs Windsurf

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

Editor extension

Roo

Roo Code is an open-source autonomous coding agent for VS Code with a multi-mode workflow: code, architect, ask, and custom modes tuned for different tasks. It's the upstream of several forks in the space.

Roo 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 Roo Windsurf
Surface Editor extension Standalone IDE
In a nutshell Multi-mode autonomous coding agent for 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 Roo, 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 — Roo or Windsurf updates won't break your loop
  • Explore plugins by category: testing, refactoring, documentation, git workflows, and more
Testing for Roo Refactoring for Roo Documentation for Roo Git Workflows for Roo Deployment for Roo Database for Roo

Roo vs Windsurf — FAQ

Should I pick Roo or Windsurf?

It depends on where you work. Roo is multi-mode autonomous coding agent for 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 Roo and Windsurf?

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

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

Which Roo modes can invoke BuySkills skills?

All of them. Roo's Code, Architect, Ask, and any custom modes you define can invoke BuySkills skills on demand. The skill catalog is shared across modes — install once, use everywhere.

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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