# Getting started with Devin (Cognition)

> Access Devin by Cognition: the cloud web app, Devin Desktop IDE (formerly Windsurf), CLI and Slack, plus how it differs from terminal agents.

- Canonical: https://guides-ai.com/guides/devin-desktop-first-steps/
- Plate 14.10 · Topic: Other coding agents (https://guides-ai.com/topics/agents/)
- Published: 21 Oct 2026 · 3 min read
- Source site: guides-ai — https://guides-ai.com/

Devin is Cognition's autonomous AI software engineer that can write, run and test code. Unlike the terminal [agents](/glossary/#agent) you drive step by step, you delegate a task to Devin and it works asynchronously in the cloud. Access runs through several surfaces, documented in the [official docs](https://docs.devin.ai/get-started/devin-intro).

## 1. Sign in to the web app

Sign up and sign in at [app.devin.ai](https://app.devin.ai). Individual and Teams plans exist; if your company already uses Cognition, ask your admin for access instead of making a new account.

## 2. Create your first session

Open a session and describe one concrete task with explicit completion criteria, such as "fix the failing auth test and open a PR." Devin's Workspace gives it a Shell, an embedded IDE and a Browser, and you watch or take over as it works.

## 3. Install Devin Desktop, the IDE

Devin Desktop is Cognition's local AI IDE: the former Windsurf editor, renamed in June 2026. Download it for macOS, Windows or Linux from [the install page](https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/install), then log in with your Devin account. It runs a local agent, supports MCP servers and hands longer work off to cloud Devin. See [Windsurf first steps](/guides/windsurf-first-steps/) for the editor itself.

## 4. Delegate from Slack, the CLI or the API

Tag `@Devin` in Slack or Microsoft Teams on a bug thread. For the terminal, install the Devin CLI and hand off long tasks with `/handoff`:

```bash
curl -fsSL https://cli.devin.ai/install.sh | bash
```

Devin is also available through its API for scripted runs.

## 5. How it fits vs terminal agents

Terminal agents like [Codex CLI](/guides/codex-cli-first-steps/) and [OpenCode](/guides/opencode-first-steps/) run locally under your constant review; Devin leans autonomous and cloud-first, so it suits delegated, easy-to-verify tasks. For the full landscape, see [coding agents compared](/guides/coding-agents-compared/).

## Verify it worked

- **`@Devin` stays silent in Slack** Your Slack email differs from your Devin account; link the matching email in settings.
- **Old `Windsurf` folder or `windsurf` command** It was renamed to Devin Desktop; relaunch the updated app.
- **"You lack permission" in the web app** Ask your admin or Cognition to grant access before starting a session.

Source: [Devin docs](https://docs.devin.ai/get-started/devin-intro).