Review of the AI assistant Cursor for developers

Of course, there are now AI-based tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude that try to make our lives easier. But let's be honest — they also make us want more.

Have you ever wished, when you were deeply immersed in a complex project, that your AI assistant could see the whole picture? For example, understand the overall architecture, your coding style, and the specific features of the project?

This is where Cursor comes to the rescue.

AI Code Editor Cursor

Cursor is a code editor on steroids with AI support. It is an alternative to Visual Studio Code and brings advanced AI capabilities to a familiar interface.

The distinctive feature of Cursor is its deep integration into the coding workflow. It doesn't just suggest code or solve repetitive tasks, but truly understands your project. It understands your coding style, knows the project structure, and even adheres to your team's best practices. It's like having a pair programming partner who gives useful advice, finds errors in time, and even helps refactor code — all in real-time.

So, let's look at the key features of Cursor and how they can enhance the coding experience.

1. Tab

Forget everything you knew about traditional autocomplete — now the Tab feature in Cursor comes to the rescue.

Once enabled, the Tab feature starts working in the background, analyzing existing code and predicting your next actions. It is not limited to completing a single line; Cursor can suggest edits across multiple lines, taking into account recent changes and the overall context of the project.

Next-level code generation

Do you ever have moments when you are writing code and think: "I wish an AI assistant could write this function for me"? Well, the Tab feature in Cursor is very close to that. Start typing, and it will catch your intentions and suggest possible next logical steps. It's like pair programming with an AI that truly understands you.

Multiline editing

This is where things get really cool. The Tab feature can suggest multiple edits at once. It's not just about saving keystrokes — it's about keeping you as focused as possible. Whether you're adding new code or refactoring old code, Cursor has your back.

Smart rewriting

We all have days when our fingers can't keep up with our brains. Typos happen. Syntax errors creep in. The Tab feature in Cursor acts as your personal code editor, catching and correcting errors on the fly. It's like spell check, but for code.

Intuitive cursor movement prediction

Have you ever felt that the cursor is always in the wrong place? The Tab function in Cursor includes an intelligent cursor location prediction feature. It's amazing how well it predicts where you will want to edit next.

But Tab is just the beginning. Let's talk about the next powerful innovation: ⌘ K.

2. ⌘ K

If Tab is your programming partner, consider ⌘ K your programming guru. With this keyboard shortcut, the full power of AI-assisted coding is at your fingertips.

Code generation on demand

Looking at a blank file and don't know where to start? ⌘ K has you covered. Just describe what you want to create and watch Cursor write the code. From templates to complex algorithms, ⌘ K helps you kickstart the coding process.

Convenient code editing

Remember the last time you had to refactor a large chunk of code? You probably drank a lot of coffee and often felt frustrated. With ⌘ K, you can simply select the code, press the hotkeys, and tell the tool what you want to change. It's like a wish-granting genie, but instead of wishes, you get edited code.

Quick questions for instant answers

Sometimes you just need a quick explanation. That's where the ⌘ K "Quick Question" feature comes in handy. Select any code, ask a question, and get an instant context-aware answer. It's like having a senior developer on call, ready to help (minus some of the awkward moments that can come with real-life communication).

Now let's see how Cursor brings its capabilities to the command line.

3. Terminal

The magic of Cursor's artificial intelligence is not limited to the code editor. It extends right into your terminal. No more frantic googling for command syntax or scrolling through pages of manuals.

With ⌘ K in the terminal, you can simply type your query in plain English, and Cursor will convert your query into the necessary command. It's like having a command line interpreter that actually speaks human.

For example, instead of trying to remember the exact syntax of the find command, you can simply type "Find all files modified in the last 24 hours" and let Cursor do all the work.

4. Chat

If the cmd K feature changes the way you write code, then the Chat feature changes your perception of code.

Context-aware conversations

This is not just another chat window on the sidebar. Cursor understands which file you are in and where your cursor is. It's like talking to a developer who sees what's happening on your screen.

Not sure about a function? Just ask, "Is there an error here?" and get an answer based on your actual code, not some generic response.

Instant code application

See a suggestion in the chat window that you like? One click and it's in your code. No need to copy and paste anything. This seamless integration between chat and code editor streamlines your workflow, allowing you to implement solutions faster than ever.

Visual context with image support

Sometimes code can't tell the whole story. You might have a user interface mockup or a system diagram. With Cursor's Chat, you can drag and drop images directly into the conversation. It's like being able to sketch on a whiteboard during a code review, but digitally.

5. Composer

This is where things get really interesting. If Tab, Chat, and ⌘ K are great for writing and editing code, then Composer takes them to a whole new level.

Application Generation

Imagine describing an app idea and seeing it come to life. That's what Composer can help with. Whether it's creating a prototype, a trial version, or even a clone of an existing app, Composer can create a functional codebase in minutes. It's not just about writing code; it's about creating entire applications with all the necessary imports and boilerplate code.

Tip: Composer excels at generating code from descriptions, but there are specialized tools for converting design files directly into code. For example, Visual Copilot converts Figma projects into code. This can be especially useful if you have your own design system and want to streamline the process of turning designs into functional code.

Multifile Magic

Composer works not just with individual files. It can organize changes across the entire project. It's like having an AI architect who understands not just your code, but how all its parts fit together. A perfect example is when you're creating an app and want to refactor the codebase to use a new library.

Composer comes with two interface options:

1. Floating window (CMD+I): a movable, resizable window that allows you to keep Composer at hand while you work on other things. Ideal for multitasking.

2. Fullscreen mode (CMD+SHIFT+I): when you need to focus on the big picture. You get three panels.

It's like a senior developer who can not only write code but also understand and implement entire architectures.

6. Context

Cursor differs from other AI code writing tools by its ability to understand context. It sees not only the file you are working on, it understands the entire codebase. This deep understanding allows many Cursor features to provide more accurate and relevant assistance.

@ Symbols: your contextual superhero

Cursor uses @ symbols as a powerful way to reference various types of context in your interaction with the AI. Whether you use ⌘ K, Chat, or Composer, @ symbols provide quick access to files, code snippets, documentation, and more.

Here's a brief summary:

• @Files: link to entire files in your project.

• @Folders: link to entire folders.

• @Code: link to specific sections of code.

• @Docs: access to pre-indexed third-party documentation or adding your own.

• @Git: adding git commits, diffs, or pull requests to your prompt (in chat).

• @Codebase: scanning the entire codebase for context.

• @Web: searching for the necessary information on the Internet.

• @Chat and @Definitions: in ⌘ K, you can use chat messages or nearby code definitions as context.

You can even insert links with the @ prefix to have Cursor include that web resource.

And if you want Cursor not to be distracted, you can use the .cursorignore file (works like .gitignore) to exclude certain files or directories from indexing.

7. AI Review

Imagine an experienced developer reviewing changes to your code in real-time, identifying potential errors before they hit production. This is exactly what the AI Review feature in Cursor offers.

It scans your latest changes, providing insights and identifying potential issues. You can dive into individual review items, see the full context in the editor, and even chat with the AI to learn more.

You can customize what the AI looks for — want to focus on performance optimizations or security vulnerabilities? Just tell the AI what to look for, and it will tailor its review accordingly.

Additionally, you have the choice of when to run the review:

• Check unsaved changes

• Compare your work with the main branch

• Study the latest commit.

It's like conducting a code review on demand without distracting colleagues. This feature significantly improves code quality and can even help you write better unit tests.

8. Rules for Artificial Intelligence

Every developer and team has their own coding style, best practices, and specific project requirements. Cursor allows you to incorporate these preferences directly into the behavior of artificial intelligence.

In the "Settings" > "General" > "AI Rules" section, you can add custom instructions that the Cursor AI will follow in functions like "Chat" and ⌘ K. This ensures that AI suggestions align with your coding standards.

For even greater control, you can use a .cursorrules file in the root directory of the project. This allows you to define instructions for a specific project to ensure that the AI understands the unique requirements of each codebase.

It's like training your personal AI assistant to write code the way you prefer.

10. Privacy and Security

Cursor takes data security seriously. It offers a privacy mode that ensures your code never leaves your computer. This is ideal for working on confidential projects or with proprietary code.

Conclusion

Cursor takes development with artificial intelligence to a whole new level. It's not just about code completion or generation anymore. It's about an AI that truly understands your project, your coding style, and your needs as a developer. It supports various programming languages and can help both novice coders and experienced developers.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, tools like Cursor show us a future where the line between developer and AI assistant becomes increasingly blurred. We hope this leads to more efficient, creative, and powerful software development.

The simplicity of using Cursor hides its powerful capabilities. Just a few lines of instructions, and it can generate complex functions, refactor entire codebases, or even create a functional application. It's truly part development environment, part AI assistant, and it's a game-changer.

So why not give Cursor a try? It might change your perspective on coding. And who knows, you might even enjoy the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cursor

Which programming languages does Cursor work with?
Virtually all of them. It works great with the most popular ones like Python, JavaScript, and Java, but it will work with most languages supported by VS Code.

Do I need an OpenAI API key to use Cursor?
No, Cursor works right out of the box. No additional setup is required.

Can Cursor handle complex coding tasks?
Of course! It can help with both simple functionality and more serious tasks, such as refactoring huge codebases or writing entire functions.

Is Cursor suitable for beginners?
Definitely. If you are just starting out, it can explain concepts, suggest best practices, and help you learn as you work.

How does Cursor work with existing code?
Quite well. It can understand and work with already written code. It can help you manage code, refactor, and even explain complex parts of your codebase.

Can Cursor create an entire application from scratch?
It's not magic — it can't create a full-fledged application out of nothing. But it can significantly speed up the process. By using the right prompts, you can move from just an idea to a finished application quite quickly.

Will Cursor disrupt my existing workflow?
Cursor is designed to seamlessly integrate into your development process. It is built on top of VS Code, so once you get used to it, everything will be fine.

Can Cursor help with unit testing?
Yes, Cursor can help in writing and improving unit tests. It can suggest test cases, help set up tests, and even identify areas of your code that need better test coverage.