AI coding IDEs are growing, and so is the demand for new software apps. Even with AI code generation, there will be a need for many more expert developers in new technologies.

OpenAI is buying Windsurf, an AI coding assistant that used to be called Codeium, for about $3 billion. This is OpenAI’s biggest purchase, though the deal isn’t yet final.

Windsurf was started in 2021 and quickly became popular with developers because it uses artificial intelligence to help write, fix, and understand code faster. The tool can autocomplete code, explain what code does, and even make changes or fix bugs when asked in plain language. It supports over 70 programming languages and works with popular coding programs like VSCode.

OpenAI wants to use Windsurf’s technology to improve its own coding tools, like those in ChatGPT. This move comes as competition heats up in the AI coding world, with big names like Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot and Anthropic’s Claude also offering similar tools.

By adding Windsurf to its products, OpenAI hopes to help more developers and software creators to their ecosystem.