Cursor
An AI-native code editor built on VS Code, with deep inline editing, chat, and agent capabilities.
What it is
Cursor is a standalone code editor, forked from VS Code, with AI built into the core editing experience rather than added as an extension — inline edits, a chat panel, and an agent mode that can make multi-file changes.
Because it's a full editor, it keeps your existing extensions, themes and keyboard shortcuts largely familiar if you're coming from VS Code.
Is this the right tool for you?
- Developers who want AI tightly integrated into their day-to-day editor, not a separate tool
- People migrating from VS Code who want a low-friction switch
- Teams that like reviewing AI suggestions inline, in the same view as the rest of their code
Main capabilities
- Inline AI edits directly in the file you're working on
- A chat panel with awareness of your open files and, optionally, your whole codebase
- An agent mode that can plan and execute multi-file changes with your approval
- Support for multiple underlying AI models, selectable per task
Where it excels
- Very low switching cost for existing VS Code users
- Tight loop between suggestion, review and edit — everything happens in one window
- Good for exploratory work where you're iterating quickly on a single file or feature
Where it falls short
- Being a full editor, it's a bigger commitment than adding a plugin to your current setup
- Large, cross-cutting changes can still benefit from a dedicated terminal agent for planning and execution
- As with any AI coding tool, generated code needs the same review, tests and security scrutiny as hand-written code
What to use it for
- Day-to-day feature development inside a single editor window
- Quick refactors and inline fixes while you keep full manual control
- Exploring an unfamiliar file with an AI chat that already has it open
How to get started
- Step 1
Install Cursor
Download the editor and, if you're coming from VS Code, import your existing settings and extensions.
- Step 2
Open your project
Open your repository as you would in any editor.
- Step 3
Try inline edits first
Select a block of code and ask for a specific change before reaching for agent mode on a whole feature.
- Step 4
Use agent mode for bigger tasks
Once comfortable, hand it multi-file tasks and review the proposed changes before accepting.
A typical session
- 1Open the file you're working in and select the relevant code
- 2Ask for an inline edit with specific instructions
- 3Review the suggested diff before accepting
- 4For larger changes, switch to agent mode and describe the feature across files
- 5Review and test before committing
Example prompts
Refactor this component to use the new useAuth hook instead of the old context
Add loading and error states to this data-fetching component
Explain what this function does and flag anything that looks like a bug
Cursor — questions people ask
Do I have to give up VS Code to use Cursor?
Cursor is a separate editor built on the same foundation as VS Code, so most extensions and keybindings carry over, but it does replace VS Code as your day-to-day editor rather than running inside it.
Can Cursor work across my whole codebase, not just one file?
Yes — its chat and agent features can be given awareness of the broader codebase, not just the currently open file, though how much context is used depends on your settings and plan.
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View toolReady to try Cursor?
Pair it with a prompt from the library and build your first real project this week.