Why I QUIT VS Code for Cursor AI (Honest Review + Beginner Tutorial)

Summary

After using VS Code for nearly three years, the user switched to Cursor AI, an AI-powered code editor, for its productivity-enhancing features. The editor integrates ChatGPT-like capabilities, enabling the AI to read and write code directly in the editor. While Cursor AI provides a smooth transition for VS Code users and streamlines tasks like code generation and file creation, the user highlights some drawbacks, such as performance lags and occasional errors in code application. Despite these issues, the user believes Cursor AI is a powerful tool for developers, especially those already familiar with coding.

Takeaways

• 😀 After using VS Code for almost 3 years, the switch to Cursor AI was made to take advantage of AI-powered coding features.
• 😀 Cursor AI allows users to import VS Code settings, making the transition from VS Code to Cursor seamless and easy.
• 😀 The main feature of Cursor AI is its AI-powered chat window that allows users to interact directly with the code editor and make code changes using commands.
• 😀 Users can give the AI specific context by uploading code files, allowing it to directly modify code based on instructions, such as adding forms or features.
• 😀 With the 'apply' feature, users can review changes made by the AI before deciding whether to accept or reject them, like a pull request in GitHub.
• 😀 Cursor AI offers quick project setup by generating multiple files for both frontend and backend without requiring manual creation, saving time.
• 😀 For specific code edits, Cursor AI lets users highlight sections and directly command the AI to make modifications within the chat window.
• 😀 The AI in Cursor can also read and interpret external documentation, allowing developers to work more efficiently with APIs and other services.
• 😀 One major advantage of Cursor AI is that it feels familiar to VS Code users, making the switch less daunting while providing additional AI-powered functionalities.
• 😀 Despite its advantages, Cursor AI is not without flaws, such as occasional lag with large files, issues with placing code in the wrong files, and failure to read pasted code.
• 😀 It's crucial not to overly rely on Cursor AI, especially for beginners. Developers should still understand the code they write and how to communicate with the AI effectively.

Q & A

Why did you decide to switch from VS Code to Cursor AI?

I switched because Cursor AI offers AI-powered features that help speed up coding and make development more efficient. The transition was smooth as it allows you to import all your existing VS Code settings, making it easy to adapt.

What is Cursor AI and how does it work?

Cursor AI is an AI-powered code editor that is essentially a modified version of VS Code. It includes a chat window where you can interact with AI to generate, modify, and apply code directly within your project, speeding up the development process.

What makes Cursor AI different from traditional code editors?

Cursor AI integrates AI directly into the code editor, allowing developers to interact with the AI within the same environment to generate code, apply changes, and even read project files, which isn’t something traditional editors like VS Code offer.

What are the main advantages of using Cursor AI?

Some major advantages include faster development by directly applying AI-generated code, a seamless transition from VS Code with familiar settings, and the ability to generate entire project files automatically, which saves time when starting new projects.

Are there any performance issues with Cursor AI?

Yes, there can be performance issues, particularly with larger files. The editor can lag, making it not as smooth to use as VS Code in some cases. However, this is expected to improve with future updates.

How does Cursor AI handle applying changes to code?

When you give the AI a command, it generates the code and presents it to you in a review-style window. You can accept or reject the changes before they are applied, much like reviewing a pull request on GitHub.

What happens when you copy-paste code into the chat window?

Sometimes the AI fails to read or understand the pasted code, which can lead to frustration. This issue is occasional but still a drawback of the tool.

Can Cursor AI be used as a replacement for learning how to code?

No, Cursor AI should not be used as a crutch, especially for beginners. It is a tool to assist developers who already understand how to code. You still need to know what you're doing and how to make decisions about what the AI generates.

What is the significance of 'natural language coding' in the context of Cursor AI?

Natural language coding is an emerging trend where developers can give commands in plain English, and the AI generates the corresponding code. Cursor AI is a step in this direction, allowing you to tell the AI what you need instead of writing out every line of code manually.

How does Cursor AI help speed up project setup?

Cursor AI can automatically generate multiple files for both front-end and back-end setups, saving time and reducing the need for manually creating boilerplate code, which is particularly useful when starting a new project.