Windsurf has just launched its new SWE-1 series – a set of AI tools designed to support every step of software engineering. The family includes SWE-1, SWE-1-lite, and SWE-1-mini, each crafted to optimise not just coding but the complete development process. For those who have ever felt restricted by tools that only do part of the job, this comprehensive approach is a welcome change.
Backed by a recent US $3 billion deal involving OpenAI, Windsurf isn’t just building applications—they’re developing the engines that power them. Although the flagship SWE-1 model competes closely with big names like Claude 3.5 Sonnet, it still trails behind the very latest contenders on some engineering tasks. However, with SWE-1-lite and SWE-1-mini available to everyone and SWE-1 reserved for subscribers, there’s a flexible path forward for various users, all at a lower cost than some alternative offerings.
If you’ve ever battled the limitations of current AI tools that excel at coding yet stumble when handling multi-platform workflows, you’ll find relief in this upgrade. Windsurf’s new data framework and training process accommodate unfinished states and extended tasks, facilitating smoother transitions across terminals, IDEs, and online environments. Head of Research Nicholas Moy puts it simply: “Today’s models may be great at coding, but they don’t cover all of software engineering.”
This development hints at even more advanced AI tools on the horizon, signalling a sustained commitment to empowering developers with practical solutions that address real-world challenges.
