AI coding tool terminology and concepts explained
TL;DR Agent Mode executes tasks autonomously — it reads, writes, runs terminal commands, and iterates on errors. Ask Mode is read-only Q&A — it answers questions about your codebase but never touches files. Default to Agent for implementation work. Switch to Ask when you need explanations without side effects. Overview Agent Mode and Ask Mode … Read more
TL;DR Composer Mode is Cursor’s multi-file editing interface — one prompt triggers coordinated changes across your project with diff preview. It replaced the old single-file inline edit flow and now defaults to Agent Mode, which can run terminal commands and install packages autonomously. Use Composer for cross-cutting changes (refactors, feature scaffolding). Use Ask Mode when … Read more
TL;DR Cascade is Windsurf’s agentic AI mode — it edits multiple files, runs terminal commands, and self-corrects. Supercomplete is predictive code completion — it suggests entire blocks and multi-line refactorings inline. They solve different problems: Cascade handles complex multi-step tasks; Supercomplete accelerates line-by-line coding. Overview Cascade and Supercomplete are two distinct AI features inside Windsurf, … Read more
TL;DR Copilot = inline code completions. Assistant = chat Q&A. Agent = autonomous multi-step execution with tool use. The distinction matters because each mode implies different context, control, and risk profiles. Most AI coding tools now ship all three modes — knowing when to switch is the skill. Overview Agent, copilot, and assistant describe three … Read more