ipIterPrompt
RulesetAgent ConfigurationVerified Last verified 2026-07-24

Windsurf Rules & Workflows

by Codeium

Windsurf's Cascade agent reads file-based rules from `.windsurf/rules/` (persistent project context and standards) and executes multi-step workflows defined in `.windsurf/workflows/` as Markdown files invoked with slash commands. Rules describe the 'what' and 'why'; workflows encode the 'how' — a repeatable, step-by-step recipe the agent runs on demand.

Official page

Works with

Windsurf

MCP servers and workflow rules.

When to use it

  • Standardizing how Cascade builds, tests, and ships changes in a repo
  • Turning a repeated multi-step chore into a single slash command

When not to

  • For throwaway instructions that don't need to persist across sessions

What it does

  • Define persistent, team-shared project rules the Cascade agent always respects
  • Author reusable workflows (as `.md` files) triggered by `/workflow-name`
  • Chain multi-step tasks — reproduce, fix, test, PR — into one command

How to install

Setup steps with copy-paste config. Sources are cited under each method.

Add rules and a workflow

Windsurf

Requires: Windsurf installed · A project folder

  1. Create a workspace rule

    Rules live in `.windsurf/rules/` as Markdown; they load automatically as project context.

    config
    # .windsurf/rules/standards.md
- Use pnpm, not npm or yarn.
- All API handlers validate input and return typed errors.
- Every change ships with a test and passes lint before a PR.

  2. Author a workflow

    Workflows live in `.windsurf/workflows/` and run via a slash command in Cascade.

    config
    # .windsurf/workflows/bugfix.md
---
description: Fix a bug with a test-first flow
---

1. Reproduce the bug with a failing test.
2. Implement the smallest fix that makes it pass.
3. Run the full test suite and lint.
4. Summarize the change and open a PR.

How to prompt it

Copy-paste prompts written to exercise this plugin, with what to expect.

Run a workflow

You have a bug and a saved bugfix workflow.

/bugfix The date picker throws when the locale is unset — reproduce and fix it.

What to expect: Cascade follows the workflow steps in order — writing a failing test first, applying a minimal fix, running tests, and preparing a PR summary.

  • Keep workflows deterministic; list explicit steps rather than vague goals.

Tips for getting the most out of it

  • Split standards (rules) from procedures (workflows) — rules are always-on, workflows are invoked.
  • Commit `.windsurf/` to the repo so the whole team shares the same agent behavior.

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Real prompts from the IterPrompt library you can copy or run.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a rule and a workflow?+

Rules are persistent context/standards Cascade always applies. Workflows are step-by-step recipes you trigger explicitly with a slash command.

Pairs well with

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Alternatives to Windsurf Rules & Workflows

Cursor Project Rules

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Sources & verification

The facts on this page and where they come from. Anything unverified is labeled — we'd rather say "unknown" than guess.

Install steps, pricing, and availability change often. Always confirm on the official page before relying on setup details.