When Windsurf first opens the project, the answer is very general, usually the codebase index is not yet complete. Cascade relies on project context to understand multi-file relationships, and if the index doesn't run out, it's more like a normal chat assistant, only answering based on the current file and the snippet you give.
Look at the index status first
Windsurf's contextual capabilities rely on codebase indexing. When you are a new project, a large repository, or just migrating a VS Code configuration, indexes can take a while. At this point, don't rush to judge that it is "stupid", first look at the bottom status bar or related index prompts.
If you have a lot of 'node_modules', build artifacts, log files, and build files in your project, indexing will be slower and the quality of the context will be poor.
Clean up irrelevant files
Exclude directories that the AI doesn't need to see: 'node_modules', 'dist', 'build', '.next', logs, caches, large data files. Keep source code, configuration, tests, schema, and interface documentation.
Don't ignore build types or important client SDKs altogether. They are sometimes key to understanding the project call chain.
Don't ask questions too early and too widely
When you first open a project, don't ask "help me understand the whole project." Let Cascade look at one or two portals, such as front-end routing, API ingress, and database models. After the index is complete, ask cross-file questions.
A safer way to ask is: "Just look at 'src/routes' and 'src/services' first, and tell me the login process-related files." This way, even if the index is not fully completed, it can be given a clear scope.
Also look at the extension conflict
If you migrate a lot of extensions from VS Code, autoformatting, AI plugins, file listening plugins can affect Windsurf performance. Disable other AI-like plugins and preserve Windsurf's own capabilities before testing Cascade.
Conclusion: Windsurf's strength is the project context, not understanding everything in an instant as soon as it is opened. Wait for the index, clear the noise, and limit the range, and the quality of the answer will be significantly improved.
