Lite is free. Pro adds the checks and the memory.
Adams andWindsurf.
Windsurf is an AI editor with rules and memories for its agent. Adams adds checks to terminal sessions. Here is where each fits.
As of October 2026. Product names belong to their owners.
// what Windsurf offers
What it does
Fact we checkedCascade can create memories automatically or on request, and stores them locally per workspace.
Fact we checkedPer its documentation, memories apply to the legacy Cascade agent and are not committed to the repository.
Fact we checkedWorkspace rules are markdown files with four activation modes: always on, model decision, file pattern and manual.
Fact we checkedGlobal rules are limited to 6,000 characters and workspace rule files to 12,000 characters each.
Fact we checkedWindsurf documentation now sits on the Devin docs site, which reflects the product changing. Read the current pages before you decide.
Where it is the better pickIf you want an AI native editor where the agent, the files and the rules sit together, Windsurf is built for that, and its activation modes let you load rules only where they apply. Adams does not offer an editor.
// side by side
Side by side
Where it runsWindsurf The Windsurf editor and its agentAdams Claude Code and Copilot CLI
RulesWindsurf Markdown rule files with activation modesAdams Coach rules built from your corrections (Pro)
MemoryWindsurf Local memories per workspaceAdams Decisions and handoffs saved in the project (Pro)
Secret and git guardsWindsurf Can be requested through rulesAdams Checks that stop a key or risky git command (Lite, free)
Page checks at three widthsWindsurf Not described in the pages we readAdams adams check on a page (Pro)
PriceWindsurf See Windsurf for current plansAdams Lite free, Pro a yearly seat (see pricing)
// together
Using both
Using bothIf part of your work is in Windsurf and part in a terminal agent, use each for its own setting. Keep shared project guidance in AGENTS.md, which Windsurf can read as rules, and let Adams guard the terminal sessions.
// faq
Questions
Does Adams run inside Windsurf?
Not as a plugin. Pro writes its rules into Windsurf and offers its checks over MCP, but the full experience is in Claude Code and Copilot CLI.
Are Windsurf memories shared with my team?
Per its documentation they are stored locally and are not committed to the repository.
Which is better for rules?
Windsurf offers file based rules with activation modes. Adams coach builds short rules from your corrections. They suit different tools.
Are these facts current?
They were read from public documentation in October 2026. The product and its docs have been changing, so confirm on the vendor site.
// related