What Windsurf introduced with SWE-1
The first SWE-1 family assigned different models to agent work and fast editor suggestions.
Originally posted · Published here · 1 source · Resume reading
Windsurf introduced its SWE-1 model family on May 15, 2025. The announcement described models trained for software-engineering workflows involving more than generating a final block of code [1].
Three models had different roles
SWE-1 targeted tool-using work. SWE-1-lite replaced Cascade Base, while SWE-1-mini powered the fast Windsurf Tab experience. The launch included promotional access conditions [1]. Those conditions should not be treated as current pricing.
The company described training around incomplete work and interactions across the editor and terminal. It also published its own evaluations and production measurements [1]. Those are vendor-reported results, not independent proof that the model is best for every repository.
Evaluate the workflow you need
A useful trial might start halfway through a real task: give the model the current implementation, a failing check and the intended behavior. Review whether it understands the existing state and produces a focused change.
Measure the corrections and review effort as well as whether the code compiles. That matches the announcement's broader engineering goal more closely than judging an isolated code snippet.
This is context for the original SWE-1 family. Check current model choices before configuring a new project.
Keep this guide
Filed under Dev tools
Sources
Next in this stack
Keyword UV
Race uv against pip on a cold cache install
Keyword DRAW
Add drawing, diagram and film skills to your agent
Keyword SELFFLOW
Compare Zapier, n8n and Activepieces