The IDE landscape is shifting. Traditional editors with AI plugins are giving way to AI-native development environments where intelligence is built into every interaction. Three platforms lead this shift: Cursor, Windsurf, and Bootspring.
But they're not all the same. Let's break down what makes each unique.
The AI-Native IDE Revolution#
Traditional approach:
IDE + AI Plugin = Bolted-on intelligence
AI-native approach:
AI-first architecture = Intelligence everywhere
AI-native tools understand your code at a deeper level, enabling capabilities impossible with plugins.
Quick Comparison#
| Feature | Cursor | Windsurf | Bootspring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | VS Code Fork | Custom IDE | MCP Platform |
| AI Model | GPT-4/Claude | Codeium | Claude/Custom |
| Multi-file Edits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Codebase Indexing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Agent Mode | Yes | Limited | Yes (Specialized) |
| MCP Support | No | No | Native |
| Price | $20/month | $15/month | $20/month |
| Free Tier | Limited | Yes | Yes |
Cursor: The VS Code Successor#
Cursor took VS Code's familiar interface and rebuilt it around AI.
What Cursor Does Well#
Familiar Environment If you know VS Code, you know Cursor:
- Same extensions work
- Same keybindings
- Same settings
- Minimal learning curve
Composer Mode Cursor's multi-file editing is powerful:
"Add authentication to all API routes"
# Cursor modifies multiple files in one operation
Tab Completion on Steroids Goes beyond single-line suggestions to complete entire functions and patterns.
Cursor's Limitations#
- Locked to VS Code paradigm
- No specialized agents for different domains
- Context resets between sessions
- Limited integration with external tools
Best For#
VS Code users who want AI superpowers without changing their workflow.
Windsurf: The Codeium Evolution#
Windsurf is Codeium's answer to Cursor—a full IDE built on their AI technology.
What Windsurf Does Well#
Speed Windsurf is fast. Their AI responses feel nearly instant thanks to optimized infrastructure.
Flows Automated workflows that chain AI actions:
Flow: "Bug Fix"
1. Analyze error logs
2. Identify root cause
3. Generate fix
4. Run tests
5. Create commit message
Generous Free Tier More free usage than competitors, making it accessible for students and hobbyists.
Windsurf's Limitations#
- Newer IDE, fewer extensions
- Less powerful reasoning than GPT-4/Claude
- Limited autonomous capabilities
- Smaller community and ecosystem
Best For#
Developers who want fast AI assistance without the subscription cost, and don't need the most advanced reasoning.
Bootspring: The MCP-Native Platform#
Bootspring isn't an IDE—it's a platform that makes any IDE AI-native through the Model Context Protocol.
What Bootspring Does Well#
Works With Your Tools Use Cursor, VS Code, Neovim, or any editor:
1// .mcp.json - connects any tool to Bootspring
2{
3 "bootspring": {
4 "agents": ["frontend", "backend", "devops"],
5 "context": "persistent"
6 }
7}Specialized Agents Different AI agents for different tasks:
| Agent | Specialization |
|---|---|
| Frontend | React, Vue, CSS, accessibility |
| Backend | APIs, databases, performance |
| DevOps | Docker, CI/CD, infrastructure |
| Security | Vulnerabilities, authentication |
| Database | Schema design, query optimization |
Persistent Context Bootspring remembers your project across sessions:
- Previous conversations
- Architectural decisions
- Your preferences
- Team patterns
Deep Integrations MCP enables connections to:
- Databases (query directly)
- APIs (understand endpoints)
- Git (full history awareness)
- Documentation (always current)
Bootspring's Limitations#
- Requires MCP setup
- Not a standalone IDE
- Newer ecosystem
- Learning curve for agent system
Best For#
Teams and developers who want AI that truly understands their stack and integrates with their existing tools.
Real-World Comparison#
Scenario 1: Adding a New Feature#
Task: "Add user profile editing with avatar upload"
Cursor:
- Open Composer
- Describe feature
- Review and apply changes
- Manually connect to storage service
Windsurf:
- Create a Flow
- Generate components
- Manual integration work needed
Bootspring:
- Frontend Agent generates UI components
- Backend Agent creates API endpoints
- DevOps Agent configures S3 storage
- All agents coordinate, understanding full context
Winner: Bootspring (coordinated multi-agent approach)
Scenario 2: Quick Code Completion#
Task: Write a function as you type
Cursor: Instant suggestions, high quality Windsurf: Very fast, good suggestions Bootspring: Depends on connected IDE
Winner: Cursor/Windsurf (purpose-built for inline completion)
Scenario 3: Understanding Legacy Code#
Task: "Explain how the payment system works"
Cursor: Reads files you point it to, good explanation Windsurf: Similar capability Bootspring: Understands full system including database schema, API contracts, and historical changes
Winner: Bootspring (deepest context)
Pricing Breakdown#
| Plan | Cursor | Windsurf | Bootspring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 2 weeks trial | Generous free tier | Free tier |
| Pro | $20/month | $15/month | $20/month |
| Team | $40/user/month | $30/user/month | $30/user/month |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Custom |
Making the Decision#
Choose Cursor If:#
- You love VS Code
- You want the most polished AI IDE experience
- Inline completion is your priority
- You don't need deep external integrations
Choose Windsurf If:#
- Budget is a concern
- Speed matters more than advanced reasoning
- You want a fresh start (not tied to VS Code)
- You're learning or doing hobby projects
Choose Bootspring If:#
- You want to keep your current IDE
- You need specialized agents for different tasks
- Your project requires deep integrations
- You value persistent context across sessions
- You work in a team
Can You Use Them Together?#
Yes! A powerful setup:
Cursor (IDE) + Bootspring (Platform)
Use Cursor for fast inline completions and Bootspring's specialized agents for complex tasks. The MCP protocol makes this seamless.
The Bottom Line#
- Cursor: Best standalone AI IDE experience
- Windsurf: Best value, fastest responses
- Bootspring: Best for complex projects and teams
The future likely involves using multiple tools together. Bootspring's MCP-native approach makes it the connective tissue between your IDE and the broader development ecosystem.
Want AI that works with your existing tools? Try Bootspring free and see how MCP-native development changes your workflow.