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Editor's pick

Cursor

AI code editor that understands your codebase and edits across files.

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Category
Coding
Maker
Anysphere
Pricing
Freemium
Listed on

What is Cursor?

Cursor is an AI code editor built on the VS Code codebase. It combines a familiar editing experience with AI features that can autocomplete code, answer questions about a project, and carry out multi-file changes through an agent that works inside the editor. It is aimed at professional developers and teams who want AI assistance built into their daily editor rather than added as a separate tool. Because it shares its foundation with VS Code, most extensions, themes and keybindings carry over. Its main difference is how deeply the AI is tied to the whole codebase, including project indexing, configurable rules and a choice of models from several providers.

Key features of Cursor

  • Tab autocomplete

    Predicts multi-line edits and the next change you are likely to make as you type.

  • Agent mode

    Plans and applies changes across multiple files, and can run terminal commands with your approval.

  • Codebase chat

    Answers questions about your project using an index of the repository.

  • Inline editing

    Rewrites a selected block of code from a short natural language instruction.

  • Project rules

    Lets you store coding conventions and instructions that the AI follows in every session.

  • Model choice

    Supports models from several AI providers so you can pick one per task.

How to use Cursor

  1. 01Download and install Cursor for macOS, Windows or Linux from the official website.
  2. 02Import your existing VS Code extensions, themes and settings during setup.
  3. 03Open a project folder so Cursor can index the codebase.
  4. 04Use Tab completion while typing, or open the chat panel to ask questions or give the agent a task.
  5. 05Review the proposed diffs and accept or reject each change before committing.

Use cases of Cursor

  • Refactoring large codebases

    Apply consistent changes across many files while reviewing each diff.

  • Learning an unfamiliar project

    Ask questions about how modules connect before making changes.

  • Building features faster

    Let the agent draft new components, tests and wiring from a description.

  • Fixing bugs

    Paste an error and let Cursor trace likely causes and propose a fix.

Cursor pros and cons

Pros

  • Familiar VS Code environment
  • Strong multi-file agent workflow
  • Flexible choice of AI models

Cons

  • Free plan usage runs out quickly with heavy use
  • Generated changes still need careful review
  • AI features require an internet connection

FAQ about Cursor

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