Amazon Q Developer
Amazon Q Developer, engineered by Amazon Web Services, is a robust cloud-based tool designed to streamline development processes. Supporting a wide range of operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, it integrates seamlessly with Amazon’s custom LLMs like Amazon Q and AWS Titan. The tool boasts a substantial context window of 200k tokens, enabling extensive data processing and analysis. Its capabilities extend to multi-file agentic editing and full terminal access, making it a versatile choice for developers seeking comprehensive control. With predictive edits and a seamless migration path, it promises efficiency, although its pricing is available only upon request. The tool adheres to standard privacy protocols and is certified SOC2 Type II, ensuring secure operations for enterprises.
Pros
- ✓ Supports multiple operating systems
- ✓ Integration with Amazon's LLMs
- ✓ Large context window
- ✓ Full terminal access
- ✓ Predictive edits
Cons
- ✕ No free tier available
- ✕ Pricing requires contacting sales
Windsurf (Cascade Agent)
Windsurf, the developer behind Cascade Agent, offers a cloud-based tool that stands out with its Zero Data Retention (ZDR) privacy mode, appealing to users with stringent data privacy requirements. It supports operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is compatible with LLMs such as SWE-1.5, SWE-1, and GPT-5. Like its counterpart, it also features a context window of 200k tokens and provides full terminal access and multi-file agentic editing. One of its significant advantages is the availability of a free tier, making it accessible to a broader range of users. However, migration requires setup, posing a potential challenge for new users. Windsurf is certified SOC2 Type II, aligning with enterprise-level security standards.
Pros
- ✓ Zero Data Retention privacy mode
- ✓ Free tier available
- ✓ Supports multiple LLMs
- ✓ Large context window
- ✓ Full terminal access
Cons
- ✕ Migration requires setup
- ✕ Paid plans start at $60/user/mo
Comparison Table
| Feature | Amazon Q Developer | Windsurf (Cascade Agent) |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | cloud | cloud |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Amazon Web Services | Windsurf |
| Supported Llms | Amazon Q, AWS Titan | SWE-1.5, SWE-1, GPT-5 |
| Custom Model | Amazon Q | SWE-1.5 |
| Context Window | 200k tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Zero Data Retention (ZDR) |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Contact Sales | Free – $60+/user/mo |
| Config File | .amazonqrc | .windsurfrc |
| Migration | Seamless | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both Amazon Q Developer and Windsurf (Cascade Agent) offer robust cloud-based solutions with unique strengths. While Amazon Q Developer excels in integration with Amazon’s ecosystem, Windsurf stands out with its data privacy features and accessible pricing. Choosing between them depends on specific user needs, such as privacy requirements or budget constraints.