Cursor

What is Cursor?

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor developed by Anysphere Inc., designed to enhance developer productivity through intelligent code generation, refactoring, and debugging. Built on a fork of Visual Studio Code, Cursor integrates advanced AI models like GPT-4 and Claude 3.5 Sonnet, enabling developers to write, edit, and understand code more efficiently. It supports multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux, and is utilized by engineers at companies such as OpenAI, Stripe, and Instacart.

Key Features of Cursor

• Natural Language Code Generation: Write code using plain English instructions, allowing for the creation or modification of functions and classes without traditional syntax.
• Smart Autocompletion: Predicts and suggests code completions as you type, streamlining the coding process.
• Inline Code Editing: Use the Cmd/Ctrl + K shortcut to edit existing code or generate new code snippets directly within the editor.
• Codebase Understanding: Query your entire codebase using natural language to gain insights or retrieve specific information.
• Image-to-Code Conversion: Upload UI mockups to generate corresponding HTML and CSS code.
• Documentation Integration: Access inline documentation by hovering over code elements or using the @ symbol to reference libraries and functions.
• Privacy Mode: Ensures that your code is never stored remotely, adhering to SOC 2 security standards.

How to Use Cursor

Getting started with Cursor is straightforward:

1. Download and Install: Visit the official website to download the appropriate version for your operating system. Installation is similar to other code editors, with support for extensions, themes, and keybindings.
2. Set Up Your Environment: Open your project directory within Cursor. The editor will automatically index your codebase, making it ready for AI-assisted interactions.
3. Utilize AI Features: Use Cmd/Ctrl + K to generate or edit code using natural language prompts. For example, typing “Create a login form in React” will generate the corresponding code.
4. Engage with Cursor Chat: Access the AI assistant by pressing Cmd/Ctrl + L. Ask questions or request code modifications, and Cursor will provide context-aware responses.
5. Leverage Image Inputs: Drag and drop UI mockups into the chat to generate HTML and CSS code based on the design.

Pricing Plans

Cursor offers three pricing tiers to accommodate different user needs:

• Hobby Plan (Free): Includes 2,000 code completions per month, 50 slow premium requests, and 200 uses of the cursor-small model. Ideal for individual developers or hobbyists.
• Pro Plan ($20/month): Provides unlimited fast and slow premium requests, unlimited cursor-small uses, and 10 daily uses of the Claude Opus model. Suitable for professional developers requiring advanced AI capabilities.
• Business Plan ($40/user/month): Offers all Pro Plan features plus centralized billing, an admin dashboard, privacy mode, and zero data retention. Designed for teams and enterprises prioritizing collaboration and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the code generated by Cursor free to use? Yes, regardless of the plan, all generated code is owned by the user and can be used commercially.
• Can I use Cursor offline? While Cursor offers a Privacy Mode to prevent remote code storage, an internet connection is required for AI features and model access.
• Does Cursor support multiple programming languages? Yes, Cursor supports a wide range of programming languages and integrates seamlessly with existing extensions and themes from Visual Studio Code.
• Is there a trial available for the Pro or Business plans? Yes, Cursor offers a two-week Pro trial, allowing users to experience premium features before committing to a subscription.