Cursor

Cursor is an AI-powered coding assistant inside VS Code that helps me write, refactor and explore code with chat-style prompts.

How to use Cursor

1. Install the Cursor extension from the VS Code marketplace and sign in.
2. Open a project and press ⌘K ⌘I (or the mapped shortcut) to bring up the chat pane.
3. Ask a question, paste a snippet, or highlight a block you want rewritten; hit enter to send.
4. Review the suggestion, accept it with one click, or tweak the prompt for a revised answer.
5. Generate entire files by selecting “New file with AI” and giving Cursor the file name plus a short spec.
6. When stuck, type // help in the editor, and Cursor drops an inline chat box right where the problem sits.
7. Keep the side panel open for running context so the assistant remembers adjoining files and test cases.

Things I noticed while working with Cursor

Advantages

• Developer-first feel: Of every AI editor I’ve tried, this one gave the smoothest experience; the shortcuts fade into muscle memory quickly.
• Smart partner, not autopilot: It anticipates my next move, pulling in neighbouring files to craft answers that fit the surrounding code.
• Speeding through “plumbing” work: CRUD routes, wiring, tests—tasks that usually chew up an afternoon now take minutes.
• Solid value for money: It isn’t free, yet the hours saved easily cover the subscription.
• Idea accelerator: Because routine chores disappear, I chase bolder features and ship them faster, which makes the daily grind more fun.
• Impressive file-level generation: Give it a filename plus a brief spec and it drafts the skeleton with correct imports and comments first go.
• Best proof yet of what LLM coding support can achieve: The assistant feels less like a gimmick and more like a junior teammate with infinite stamina.

Drawbacks

• Lag on very large files: When a file creeps beyond a thousand lines, the background model sometimes pauses for a second or two.
• No truly free tier: A time-boxed trial exists, yet extended use demands payment, which may deter casual dabbling.
• Results hinge on context nudges: If I forget to share related files, replies lose accuracy, so a little prompt discipline is required.

After several weeks of daily use I reach for Cursor before google, Stack Overflow, or even my own notes; the blend of chat, inline edits and bulk generation lifts the tedium and lets creative work take centre stage.