Real engines. Your accounts.
Use Codex, Claude Code and OpenCode through their native runtimes. Keep the access you already have.
Firstbeam vs Windsurf / Devin Desktop
Compare Cascade’s editor workflow with a desktop workspace that keeps your coding engines independent.
What this comparison covers
The current official documentation calls this product Devin Desktop. The Windsurf name remains here so existing users can find the comparison.
Why choose Firstbeam
Firstbeam is useful when your preferred editor is already settled and the missing piece is coordination. Use existing Codex, Claude Code and OpenCode accounts, save reusable teams and keep the project’s conversations and plans together.
Based on official documentation and current Firstbeam capabilities.
Quick comparison
| Capability | Firstbeam | Windsurf / Devin Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Primary surface | Windows desktop + bundled CLIFirstbeam guide | Devin Desktop editor with CascadeOfficial documentation |
| Execution engine | Codex, Claude Code or OpenCodeFirstbeam guide | Windsurf / Devin Desktop agent platformOfficial documentation |
| Editor choice | Keep your existing editor beside the workspaceFirstbeam guide | Devin Desktop editor with CascadeOfficial documentation |
| Terminal workflow | Desktop includes firstbeam; CLI-only install is availableFirstbeam guide | Cascade terminal toolsOfficial documentation |
| Model access | Selected engine, provider and account determine accessFirstbeam guide | Cascade’s available model choicesOfficial documentation |
| Accounts and billing | Firstbeam plan + your existing provider accessFirstbeam guide | Product account and usage planOfficial documentation |
| Team configuration | Reusable roles, engines, models and permissionsFirstbeam guide | Cascade conversations and queued promptsOfficial documentation |
| Tools and context | Discover native skills and scoped MCP bindingsFirstbeam guide | Search, terminal, MCP and voice inputOfficial documentation |
Keep your editor. Bring your own engines.
Use the engine you trust. Organize the work around it. Firstbeam gives a mixed-engine project a common workspace instead of asking you to adopt another coding agent.
Teams that follow the project
Save roles, models and permissions as reusable teams. Pick the roster that fits the task.
One workspace for the work
Keep project conversations, plans, Git and terminals close together without switching your editor.
Tools with a visible scope
Discover installed skills and MCP bindings. See their engine, account and project scope.
Complete workflow comparison
Firstbeam’s strengths, the other tool’s documented workflow, and the boundaries that matter before you switch.
Workspace and execution
| Capability | Firstbeam | Windsurf / Devin Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Primary surface | Windows desktop + bundled CLIFirstbeam guide | Devin Desktop editor with CascadeOfficial documentation |
| Execution engine | Codex, Claude Code or OpenCodeFirstbeam guide | Windsurf / Devin Desktop agent platformOfficial documentation |
| Editor choice | Keep your existing editor beside the workspaceFirstbeam guide | Devin Desktop editor with CascadeOfficial documentation |
| Terminal workflow | Desktop includes firstbeam; CLI-only install is availableFirstbeam guide | Cascade terminal toolsOfficial documentation |
Engines, accounts and teams
| Capability | Firstbeam | Windsurf / Devin Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Model access | Selected engine, provider and account determine accessFirstbeam guide | Cascade’s available model choicesOfficial documentation |
| Accounts and billing | Firstbeam plan + your existing provider accessFirstbeam guide | Product account and usage planOfficial documentation |
| Team configuration | Reusable roles, engines, models and permissionsFirstbeam guide | Cascade conversations and queued promptsOfficial documentation |
| Tools and context | Discover native skills and scoped MCP bindingsFirstbeam guide | Search, terminal, MCP and voice inputOfficial documentation |
Context, control and adoption
| Capability | Firstbeam | Windsurf / Devin Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Project organization | Conversations, plans, teams, Git and terminals togetherFirstbeam guide | The product’s own project and session workflowOfficial documentation |
| Permission boundary | Review engine and tool permissions in their actual scopeFirstbeam guide | Use the product’s own approval and access controlsOfficial documentation |
| Migration | Open an existing project; keep your engine and editorFirstbeam guide | Keep existing setup during evaluationOfficial documentation |
| Provider usage limits | Your provider’s quotas and charges still applyFirstbeam guide | Product and provider usage policies applyOfficial documentation |
Add Firstbeam alongside Windsurf / Devin Desktop
Evaluate the workspace on a real project before changing your tools or subscriptions.
- 1
Install and open a project
Install the Windows app and open your existing repository. The installer includes the CLI.
- 2
Choose an engine and account
Connect Codex, Claude Code or OpenCode. Check the model and provider access in the engine you select.
- 3
Review the team and tools
Set up roles, permissions, skills and scoped MCP bindings. Run one task and inspect the result before expanding the workflow.
Documented capabilities. Clear boundaries.
Cascade offers editor-aware assistance, search, terminal tools, MCP, voice input and checkpoints. Firstbeam’s independent workspace complements an editor; it does not claim to reproduce Cascade’s editor-native completion or context awareness.
Firstbeam currently ships for Windows x64. Its plan does not include a provider subscription, remove provider limits or provide editor-native inline completion. Skills and MCP availability depend on the selected engine and configuration.
Questions before you switch
Do I have to stop using Windsurf / Devin Desktop?
No. Keep your existing tools during evaluation. Firstbeam works alongside your editor and uses supported native engines; it does not import every competitor’s sessions or configuration automatically.
Which accounts can I use?
Use accounts supported by the selected Codex, Claude Code or OpenCode engine. Firstbeam access and provider access are separate. Verify available models and usage limits in your provider account.
Why choose Firstbeam over a single-engine workflow?
Choose it for shared project organization, reusable agent teams and the ability to work with several native engines from one desktop workspace. The underlying engine still performs the coding task.
Compare Firstbeam side by side
Pick a tool for the full breakdown: engines, accounts, teams, workflow and practical adoption steps.
Firstbeam vs Cursor
Compare an integrated AI editor with a workspace for your existing coding engines, teams and projects.
Firstbeam vs GitHub Copilot
Compare GitHub-centered assistance with an independent workspace for multiple native coding engines.
Firstbeam vs Claude Code
Keep Claude Code’s native runtime and add a shared project workspace alongside Codex and OpenCode.
Firstbeam vs OpenAI Codex
Compare direct Codex use with Codex inside a project workspace that also supports other engines.
Firstbeam vs Cline
Compare Cline’s own agent core and model flexibility with Firstbeam’s native engine workspace.
Firstbeam vs OpenCode
Keep OpenCode’s provider flexibility and terminal agent; add Firstbeam’s visual project and team workspace.
Build with your AI tools, not around them.
Keep the engines you trust. Give your projects, conversations and teams a shared workspace.
Windows x64CLI includedExisting engine accounts