Exploring Agentic AI

29 April 2025
8 min read

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the way we code, and agentic AI is at the forefront of this. Unlike traditional AI tools that offer simple suggestions, agentic AI acts like a proactive partner, understanding your project, making decisions, and automating complex tasks. In this blog, we’ll dive into what agentic AI is, explore how tools like VS Code’s AI Agent Mode, Cursor, and Windsurf work, and I'll share practical tips on using them creatively to supercharge your coding productivity.

What is Agentic AI?

Agentic AI goes beyond basic code completion or chat-based assistance. It’s like having a junior developer by your side who can:

  • Understand Context: It analyzes your entire codebase, not just the file you’re working on.
  • Act Autonomously: It can write code, refactor, debug, or run commands based on high-level instructions(ofcourse with your permission).
  • Iterate and Learn: It adapts to your coding style and project needs over time.

Think of agentic AI as a collaborator that handles repetitive tasks, suggests optimizations, and lets you focus on the creative parts of coding. Tools like VS Code, Cursor, and Windsurf are leading the charge by embedding agentic AI into integrated development environments (IDEs).

Meet the Tools: VS Code, Cursor, and Windsurf

Let’s look at three popular agentic AI-powered tools and how they enhance coding:

1. VS Code’s AI Agent Mode

VS Code, the beloved code editor, recently introduced an AI Agent Mode powered by GitHub Copilot. This mode turns VS Code into a proactive coding partner.

  • Key Features:
    • Write code using natural language (e.g., “Create a React component for a login form”).
    • Automatically generate, refactor, or deploy code across multiple files.
    • Suggest and execute terminal commands for package installation or setup.
  • Best For: Developers already using VS Code who want seamless AI integration with their existing setup.

2. Cursor

Cursor is an AI-powered IDE built as a fork of VS Code, designed for advanced users working on complex projects. It’s known for its deep contextual understanding and precise code generation.

  • Key Features:
    • Composer Mode: Generates code across multiple files based on a single prompt.
    • Real-time collaboration and multi-file editing for large codebases.
    • Fast tab completions and natural language commands for quick edits.
  • Best For: Advanced developers tackling big, intricate projects who need fine-grained control.

3. Windsurf

Windsurf, developed by Codeium, is another VS Code fork that emphasizes simplicity and intuitive agentic workflows. It’s beginner-friendly yet powerful for large codebases.

  • Key Features:
    • Cascade Technology: Automatically pulls relevant context from your codebase for smarter suggestions.
    • Supercomplete: Predicts your intent, generating entire functions or docstrings tailored to your code.
    • Flows: Enables real-time collaboration between you and the AI, keeping you in a coding “flow state.”
  • Best For: Beginners and teams looking for an easy-to-use, context-aware IDE.

How to Use Agentic AI Productively

To get the most out of these tools, you need to use them strategically. Here are practical tips to boost productivity with VS Code, Cursor, and Windsurf:

1. Provide Clear, Contextual Prompts

Agentic AI shines when given specific instructions. Instead of vague prompts like “Write a function,” try:

  • Example Prompt: “In my next project, Integrate this API by creating type,service in example.ts and example-service.ts. Take reference of already integrated example-api.ts and example-api-service.ts. Then use this api service in example.tsx, Follow the existing coding style and pattern.”
  • Why It Works: Clear prompts help the AI understand your intent, reducing errors and iterations.

Pro Tip: Attach files to take reference in the attach option available in all the agents which helps agent to act faster and not have to look for the files in codebase.

2. Leverage Multi-File Editing

Agentic AI can edit multiple files at once, making it ideal for refactoring or building features.

  • Example Use Case: You’re building a full-stack app. Ask Cursor to “Create a REST API in server.js with endpoints for user registration and login, and update the React frontend in App.jsx to call these endpoints.”
  • Tool-Specific:
    • Windsurf: Cascade automatically indexes your codebase, so it knows which files to edit.
    • Cursor: Composer mode lets you toggle between chat and edit modes for precise control.
    • VS Code: Agent Mode can generate and deploy code across files with a single prompt.

Pro Tip: Use Windsurf’s “Write” mode for coding tasks and “Chat” mode for debugging or brainstorming.

3. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Let agentic AI handle mundane tasks like writing tests, generating documentation, or setting up projects.

  • Example:
    • “Generate unit tests for all functions in math_utils.py using pytest.”
    • “Set up a new Next.js project with Tailwind CSS and ESLint.”

Pro Tip: Both Cursor and Windsurf can suggest and run terminal commands (e.g., npm install)—always review before executing

4. Iterate and Debug Creatively

Agentic AI isn’t perfect, but it’s great at iterative debugging. If code has errors, ask the AI to analyze and fix it.

  • Example:
    • In Cursor, select a buggy code block, press Ctrl + I, and ask: “Why is this function throwing a TypeError? Fix it.”
    • In Windsurf, use Inline AI to edit specific lines without affecting the rest of the file.
    • In VS Code, use the chat pane to describe the error and get a step-by-step fix.

Creative Ways to Boost Productivity

Here are some fun, creative ways to use agentic AI to make coding more efficient and enjoyable:

1. Build a “Vibe Coding” Environment

  • What: Use Cursor’s natural language commands to create a themed app (e.g., “Build a retro 80s-style portfolio site with neon colors”).
  • Why: It sparks creativity and lets the AI handle boilerplate code while you focus on design.
  • Tool: Cursor’s Composer is great for vibe-based projects due to its speed.

2. Clone Existing Apps

  • What: Use Windsurf to replicate an app’s functionality by providing a URL or design mockup (e.g., “Clone the UI of this To-Do app: [link]”).
  • Why: It’s a fast way to learn by reverse-engineering.
  • Tool: Windsurf’s context engine excels at pulling in external references.

3. Generate Educational Content

  • What: Ask VS Code to “Write a tutorial in README.md explaining how my auth.py module works.”
  • Why: It saves time on documentation and helps onboard team members.
  • Tool: VS Code’s Agent Mode is perfect for generating clear, file-specific docs.

4. Gamify Debugging

  • What: Turn debugging into a game by asking Cursor to “Find 5 bugs in this JavaScript file and rank them by severity.”
  • Why: It makes debugging engaging and teaches you to spot patterns.
  • Tool: Cursor’s bug finder is a standout feature.

Challenges and Tips to Overcome Them

While agentic AI is powerful, it has limitations:

  • Challenge: AI may generate incomplete or buggy code.
    • Solution: Break prompts into smaller steps (e.g., “First, create the database schema, then the API endpoints”). Review code carefully.
  • Challenge: Tools like Windsurf and Cursor can hit token limits on large projects.
    • Solution: Use local models with tools like Aider for cost-free processing if you have strong hardware.
  • Challenge: Steep learning curve for Cursor’s advanced features.
    • Solution: Start with Windsurf’s simpler UI, then transition to Cursor as you gain confidence.

Conclusion: Code Smarter, Not Harder

Agentic AI tools like VS Code’s AI Agent Mode, Cursor, and Windsurf are game-changers for developers. By understanding your codebase, automating tasks, and collaborating in real-time, they let you focus on what matters: building great software. Whether you’re a beginner using Windsurf’s intuitive Cascade, an advanced coder leveraging Cursor’s Composer, or a VS Code fan exploring Agent Mode, these tools can 10x your productivity when used creatively.

But remember this agents are to assist you and do the repetitive tasks. If you are in learning phase, take help of ai but do not rely on it completely. You have to know what the agent has done.

Happy coding, and let agentic AI be your superpower! 🚀