Cursor
by AI Coding Tools
Cursor is currently the most popular AI programming editor among developers.
What is Cursor?
Cursor is currently the most popular AI programming editor among developers. It is deeply modified based on VS Code and has built-in top large models such as Claude and GPT-4. Its biggest advantage is its deep integration of AI capabilities: smart completion with the Tab key, code modification with Chat dialogue, and Agent mode to automatically complete complex tasks. Whether you are front-end, back-end or full stack, Cursor can significantly improve coding speed. The free version has 2,000 refills per month, which is enough for light users.
Core Features
- Tab intelligent completion: predict and complete the entire code based on context
- Chat mode: Chat directly with AI in the editor and specify the modification range
- Agent mode: AI autonomously completes complex programming tasks across files
- Composer: Edit multiple files at the same time, suitable for large-scale reconstruction
- Supports multiple top models such as Claude 3.5/4, GPT-4o, etc.
- Fully compatible with VS Code plug-ins and shortcut keys
Pricing Plans
Free version: 2000 tab completions + 50 slow Premium requests per month. Pro $20/month: Unlimited tab completion + 500 Premium requests (Claude/GPT-4). Business version $40/month: Team management features.
Pros
- The free quota is enough for light users
- The VS Code ecosystem is fully compatible and the migration cost is extremely low
- Agent mode has strong ability to handle complex tasks
- Good Chinese support and fast response
Cons
- The Pro version is more expensive at $20 per month
- Premium times are easily exhausted under heavy use.
- Requires internet connection and cannot be used offline
After its launch in 2023, Cursor quickly became the benchmark product in AI programming. It is not simply adding a chat window in the editor, but deeply embedding AI capabilities into every corner of the editor.
Who is it suitable for?
- Beginners: AI explains error reporting and automatic completion, greatly reducing the learning curve
- Full stack developer: Understand the project structure across files, Composer mode to change multiple files at once
- Independent Developer: One person can be used by many people to quickly implement functional prototypes
The difference between GitHub Copilot and GitHub Copilot
Cursor’s Agent/Composer mode is far more powerful than Copilot - Copilot mainly does line-level completion, while Cursor can understand the entire project and complete the task autonomously. However, Copilot has better integration with the GitHub ecosystem, and enterprise users more often choose Copilot.