What Is Cursor
Cursor is an editor that forks VS Code to be AI-native. It provides an experience where "AI resides through the whole process of writing code"—the most widely adopted AI development editor.
Install and Setup
1. Download
Download the Mac / Windows / Linux version from cursor.com. VS Code extensions/settings can be auto-migrated.
2. Sign Up
- Register with Google / GitHub / email
- 2-week Pro trial included
- Paid: Pro USD 20/mo, Business USD 40/mo
3. Initial Setup
- Select "Use Free / Pro Models"
- Sign in with GitHub for repo linkage
- Migrate VS Code Extensions (a prompt appears)
3 Main Features
1. Tab Completion
AI predicts code as you start writing. Confirm with Tab, reject with Esc. Deeper than VS Code's normal completion, predicting by line/function.
2. Cmd+K (Inline Edit)
Rewrite the selection with AI. You can instruct in natural language: "turn this loop into map," "make types strict." Select → Cmd+K → instruct.
3. Cmd+L / Composer (Dialogue Panel)
Chat on the right. You can ask for changes across multiple files. Instruct "add a new API endpoint, with tests."
Main Models
- Claude Opus / Sonnet
- GPT-5.4 / GPT-5 Mini
- Gemini 2.5
- Cursor's own models (Cursor-fast, lightweight)
Switchable by task. "Model" dropdown within Composer.
Cursor Rules
Write project-specific rules in .cursor/rules/*.mdc and AI always follows them.
# .cursor/rules/typescript.mdc - Strict types, no any - Functions single-responsibility - Naming camelCase - Write tests with Vitest
Pricing Usage
- Pro USD 20/mo: 500 premium requests/month (Claude Opus etc.)
- Cursor-fast: unlimited fast model
- Business USD 40/mo: enhanced privacy, SSO, org management
Cursor's Strengths
- VS Code compatible: extensions/settings/keybinds as-is
- Fast completion: Tab completion deeper than GitHub Copilot
- Composer flexibility: good at multi-file changes
- Multi-model: switch models by use
Mastery Tips
1. Don't Over-Trust Tab
Tab completion is handy but AI's prediction can be wrong. Keep the habit of reading attentively.
2. Cmd+K for Local Edits
For one-function/one-block fixes, Cmd+K. Faster than Composer.
3. Composer from a Plan
Instructing "first make a plan, wait for my OK" prevents disorderly changes.
4. Reference with @ Commands
- @filename: reference a specific file
- @folder: the whole folder
- @web: include web search
Sticking Points
- Cost consumption: big tasks in Composer consume premium requests fast
- Update lag vs VS Code: features sometimes lag
- Confidential code: turn ON Business plan's "Privacy Mode" so code isn't sent
Using with Other Tools
- Daily editing in Cursor, large tasks in Claude Code
- Write in Cursor, Copilot OFF (duplicate features)
Next Step
Next, the complete guides for GitHub Copilot and OpenAI Codex.
