A comprehensive guide to building an AI-native IDE inspired by Windsurf and Cursor using VSCode and Roo Code
The rise of AI-native IDEs like Windsurf (formerly Codeium) and Cursor has redefined developer productivity. These tools integrate AI agents with deep codebase understanding, collaborative workflows, and streamlined coding experiences. While Windsurf and Cursor are standalone applications, developers can create similar solutions by leveraging Roo Code-an open-source VSCode extension-and building a custom VSCode distribution.
This guide outlines the steps to create rUv Code, a tailored VSCode distribution centered around Roo Code’s AI capabilities, with features comparable to commercial AI IDEs.