Cursor and Windsurf are AI-powered code editors (VS Code forks) with built-in agents. Pane is not an IDE. Pane is an agent manager — it lets you run any CLI agent in parallel and still use whatever editor you want. They solve different problems.
| pane | cursor | windsurf | |
|---|---|---|---|
| category | agent manager | AI IDE | AI IDE |
| agents | any CLI agent (claude code, codex, aider, goose, anything) | cursor's built-in agent only | windsurf's cascade agent only |
| parallel agents | yes — unlimited panes, each isolated | no | no |
| git worktrees | automatic per pane | manual | manual |
| code editor | none — use your own (VS Code, Neovim, JetBrains, etc.) | built-in (VS Code fork) | built-in (VS Code fork) |
| lock-in | none — any agent, any editor, any OS | cursor's editor + agent | windsurf's editor + agent |
| open source | yes (AGPL-3.0) | no | no |
| pricing | free | $20/mo+ | $15/mo+ |
pane is not an IDE
Cursor and Windsurf replace your code editor. Pane doesn't. Pane sits alongside your editor — it manages the agents that write code while you review diffs and manage git. You keep using VS Code, Neovim, JetBrains, or whatever you prefer.
pane doesn't lock you into one agent
You can't run Claude Code inside Cursor. You can't run Aider inside Windsurf. These IDEs lock you into their built-in agent. Pane runs any CLI agent — Claude Code, Codex, Aider, Goose, or whatever ships tomorrow. No lock-in.
pane runs agents in parallel
Cursor and Windsurf run one agent session at a time. Pane runs unlimited agents in parallel, each in its own git worktree, each fully isolated. Work on five features simultaneously. Agents never step on each other.
you can use pane with cursor or windsurf
Pane and agentic IDEs aren't mutually exclusive. Many developers use Pane to orchestrate CLI agents (Claude Code, Codex) while keeping their IDE open for editing. Pane manages the parallel workflows. Your editor is for reading and writing code.
use cursor or windsurf if you want AI built into your editor for autocomplete, inline suggestions, and single-session agent chat while you code.
use pane if you want to run multiple AI agents in parallel on different tasks, review their work, and manage git — without being locked into one agent or one editor.
use both if you want the best of both worlds — an IDE for writing code and Pane for orchestrating agents.
Is Pane a replacement for Cursor or Windsurf?
No. Pane is not an IDE — it doesn't replace your code editor. Pane is an agent manager that runs CLI agents in parallel. You can use Pane alongside Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, Neovim, or any editor.
Can I run Claude Code inside Cursor?
No. Cursor uses its own built-in agent. You can't run Claude Code, Aider, or Codex inside Cursor. Pane runs any CLI agent — it doesn't lock you into a specific agent or editor.
Can I use Pane and Cursor at the same time?
Yes. Many developers use Pane to orchestrate CLI agents (Claude Code, Codex, Aider) while keeping Cursor or another editor open for reading and writing code. They're complementary tools.
Does Pane have autocomplete like Cursor?
No. Pane is not an IDE and doesn't provide code suggestions or autocomplete. Pane manages agents that write code — you review their diffs and ship. If you want autocomplete, use your favorite editor alongside Pane.
Why would I use Pane instead of Cursor's built-in agent?
Pane lets you run multiple agents in parallel on different tasks, each in its own git worktree. Cursor runs one agent at a time. Pane also lets you choose any agent — Claude Code today, Codex tomorrow — with zero lock-in.