cmux vs Windsurf
Windsurf is now Devin Desktop, built on Windsurf's IDE foundation with an Agent Command Center for managing agents. cmux is a native terminal and browser workspace that sits beside any editor and supervises the CLI agents and tools you choose.
IDE agent surface vs terminal agent surface
Use Devin Desktop, formerly Windsurf, when you want agentic coding inside an IDE. Use cmux when you want a free, open source terminal control plane for terminal agents, shells, tests, local servers, browser checks, SSH, and multiple editors.
| Dimension | cmux | Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary surface | Terminal, browser, workspaces, splits | IDE with agent command center |
| Desktop stack | Native Swift/AppKit macOS app built on libghostty | Devin Desktop IDE using VS Code's interface and Open VSX extensions |
| Editor lock-in | Works beside Cursor, Xcode, Neovim, VS Code, JetBrains, or any editor | Editor-centered workflow |
| Source model | Free and open source GPL app | Proprietary Devin Desktop service with a VS Code OSS-style editor surface |
| Agent choice | Any CLI agent or shell command | Devin, Cascade, and ACP-compatible agents inside Devin Desktop |
| Organization | Vertical workspaces, unread rings, branch and port metadata | Spaces, Kanban view, local and cloud agent management |
| Best fit | Developers supervising many terminal workflows | Developers who want agents integrated into their editor |
cmux does not need to be your editor
Many teams already have strong editor preferences. cmux lets the editor stay focused on code while terminal agents, browser checks, dev servers, logs, and SSH sessions live in an agent-aware workspace.
Terminal work crosses editor boundaries
AI coding often involves package managers, test runners, databases, local previews, deployment CLIs, browser verification, and repo scripts. cmux organizes those surfaces without moving the project into one IDE.
Multi-agent work needs attention routing
When several agents run at once, the bottleneck becomes finding the one waiting on a human. cmux uses pane rings, unread badges, notification panels, Cmd+Shift+U, and Cmd+Control+U for that loop.
Programmability keeps the workflow yours
The cmux CLI and socket API let teams create workspaces, split panes, send input, read screens, capture screenshots, and drive browser panes around their existing tools.
FAQ
Is cmux an IDE?
No. cmux is a terminal and browser workspace. It works beside your IDE instead of replacing it.
Can I use cmux with Windsurf or Devin Desktop?
Yes. Use the IDE for editing and cmux for terminal agents, local servers, shell tools, browser checks, and review queues.
Why compare cmux with an IDE agent product?
Developers choosing an agent development environment need to decide whether the control plane belongs in the editor or in the terminal workspace.