Cursor

Presentation

Writing, editing, and understanding source code in software development projects often presents challenges related to the increasing complexity of codebases, dependency management, or simply the repetitive nature of certain tasks. Cursor, a code editor based on Visual Studio Code, addresses these issues by integrating artificial intelligence features directly into the development environment. The tool does not limit itself to suggesting code line by line: it offers contextual interaction with the entire software project. Cursor claims to be able to predict the next changes the user might want to make, based on the content of the current file and the overall structure of the code. It is possible to modify or generate code from simple instructions in natural language. For example, by entering a command like “add a null check for this parameter,” the tool is supposed to directly produce the corresponding modification. The user can also query the system about how a file or block of code works, which means Cursor accesses and analyzes the entire repository or a defined subset. The editor supports importing extensions, themes, and keyboard shortcuts from Visual Studio Code. It is therefore aimed at users who wish to keep their usual working environment while adding a layer of automation and assistance. Cursor also offers a “privacy mode”: when activated, code processing is done locally, without sending it to remote servers, except with explicit consent. On the technical side, Cursor relies on a combination of language models, some general-purpose (frontier models), others specifically designed for software development tasks. The tool is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, and can be integrated into workflows using Git. It supports multiple programming languages and aims to be adaptable to user preferences. Cursor does not present itself as a simple editor, but rather as an AI-augmented interface, capable of automating refactorings, generating tests, or explaining existing code. Its use is envisioned both in professional contexts and educational environments, with specific options for students.

Cursor Features

• Predictive code autocompletion based on recent changes
• Multiple simultaneous code editing suggestions
• Automatic correction of typing errors
• Navigation between changes across files with Cursor Tab
• Agent mode for end-to-end development task execution
• Automatic code understanding through custom retrieval models
• Automatic generation and execution of terminal commands with user confirmation
• Automatic detection and correction of lint errors
• Smart insertion of chat suggestions into the code
• Code reference, libraries, and documentation via the @ symbols

Our AI Expert's Take

There’s no need to beat around the bush, Cursor is simply the best AI-powered code editor we’ve tested to date. It’s far ahead of Windsurf, its biggest competitor. Of course, it has its limitations, but once you understand how to use it intelligently, it becomes a true productivity engine. We were blown away by its ability to quickly generate code, suggest relevant refactorings, and, above all, integrate seamlessly into our workflow. With the integration of models like Claude 4 Sonnet/Opus, GPT-5, and Gemini 2.5 Pro, Cursor becomes even more impressive. The suggestions are contextual, precise, and often far superior to what other AI assistants offer. For developers, Cursor also represents a huge time saver in searching for and resolving bugs. Features like "Debug with AI" or BugBot, which automatically analyzes code to detect issues, allow you to identify and fix errors with remarkable efficiency. No more hours spent searching for a careless mistake; the AI assists the developer and greatly speeds up the debugging process. Cursor is also particularly well-suited for beginners. Its interface, based on VS Code, is familiar, and the AI assistance helps overcome the initial challenges of learning to code. It supports a wide range of programming languages, from the most common like JavaScript, Python, and Java, to PHP, C++, and even Swift, making it a versatile tool for starting various projects. However, make no mistake—creating a complex project from A to Z with no development knowledge remains complicated. Cursor is not magic; it will never replace a human understanding of a project and can introduce unwanted changes if used indiscriminately or in autorun mode. For simple tasks, it proves very effective. A beginner can easily ask the AI to develop web pages in HTML/CSS or even create small WordPress plugins if they can’t find what they need in the official store. For experienced developers, Cursor is an ultra-efficient copilot, capable of generating components, quickly testing ideas, and intelligently documenting code. It’s a tool designed for developers who know what they’re doing. We highly recommend Cursor to developers who want to push the limits of their productivity, provided they maintain good coding practices (branches, reviews, tests). You shouldn’t delegate the architecture of an entire project to it, but as targeted assistance, it’s excellent. The subscription price is very affordable, starting at $20/month, and for more intensive use, there’s the option to upgrade to Pro+ at $60/month, which gives you $70 in API credit. Otherwise, Cursor will cost you less than using the OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google Gemini APIs. Powerful, with a few imperfections, but incredibly useful if used methodically. It’s the best AI development tool right now. An essential.

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