Complete guide to Devin

Getting started Use cases Advanced setup Tips FAQ

Getting started

Devin, from Cognition, is used through a web portal (you sign in with your GitHub or Google Workspace account), although in 2026 there is also a CLI version for orchestrating it locally. For your first task, connect your code repository and describe what you need to Devin: it can be a Linear/Jira ticket, a known bug, or a new feature with a clear specification. Devin reads the code, plans the steps, makes the changes, runs the tests, and opens a pull request for you to review, all without you having to guide it step by step.

Use cases

Resolve Linear or Jira tickets autonomously

Devin can take a well-defined ticket, implement the required change, run the tests, and open a pull request ready for review.

Fix bugs end to end

It identifies the root cause of an error, writes the fix, verifies that the tests pass, and documents the change, without constant supervision.

Build internal tools

For scoped, well-specified tasks, Devin can build small internal tools or features from start to finish.

Delegate routine implementation work

Frees senior developers from repetitive tasks so they can focus on architecture and more complex product decisions.

Advanced setup

Ways to start a session
You can launch and manage Devin sessions from Slack, Linear, the web app, or via API to trigger it directly from your own pipelines.
Deployment environments
Available as cloud SaaS, as an Enterprise deployment in your own VPC, or as a CLI tool for local orchestration.
Devin Desktop (formerly Windsurf)
After Cognition acquired Windsurf in December 2025, it was renamed Devin Desktop in June 2026: a local editor that complements the cloud engineer, letting you work with Devin directly inside your own code editor.
Level of task detail
The clearer and more scoped the task specification, the better the result. Ambiguous tasks or those requiring deep business context are its weakest point.

Tips

Give it well-scoped tasks with clear success criteria ("fix this bug with this expected behavior") instead of open-ended or ambiguous requests.
Use Devin as a productivity multiplier for senior developers: delegate routine implementation and reserve architecture decisions for the human team.
Always review the pull request before merging it: Devin runs tests automatically, but human review remains important for critical changes.
If your team already uses Linear or Slack, enable the direct integration instead of working only from the web: it greatly streamlines the daily workflow.
For work inside your own editor, try Devin Desktop instead of relying only on the cloud version.

FAQ

Does Devin replace a human developer?

Not entirely: it excels at scoped, well-defined tasks, but struggles with novel architecture decisions or ambiguous business context. It works best as a complement to the team, not a replacement.

How is Devin related to Windsurf?

Cognition (the creator of Devin) acquired Windsurf in December 2025 and renamed it Devin Desktop in June 2026, integrating it as Devin's local desktop companion.

How do I get access to Devin?

As cloud SaaS, as an Enterprise deployment on your own infrastructure, or via CLI; access is managed through Cognition, so check their current pricing.

Do I need to give it full access to my repository?

Yes, Devin needs access to the code to read it, plan changes, and run them; review your organization's permissions and security policies before connecting it to sensitive repositories.

Based on docs.devin.ai and cognition.com/blog

← Back to Devin