About Cursor
Cursor is an AI-first code editor that builds on the familiar terrain of Visual Studio Code, but with a twist: it adds a layer of artificial intelligence that claims to understand entire codebases deeply. In practice, this means that Cursor can help developers write code more efficiently by suggesting inline completions and even executing tasks autonomously in its so-called agent mode. When I first got my hands on Cursor, I was curious to see how well it could augment my usual coding routine, whether it could actually save me time, and if it could handle the complexities of real-world projects.
One of the standout features is the inline code generation that can be activated with a simple Cmd+K shortcut. Instead of labouring through tedious syntax, Cursor suggests relevant code snippets based on the context of what you're working on. This is particularly useful when you're knee-deep in a project with a plethora of files and dependencies. The multi-file editing capability is another feather in its cap, allowing you to touch multiple files seamlessly without the constant switching that can break your flow. However, while these features certainly have their merits, I found that the AI's suggestions can sometimes miss the mark, resulting in the need for a fair bit of manual adjustment, which can be frustrating.
Pricing-wise, Cursor adopts a freemium model that’s certainly appealing for casual users. The free tier allows for 2,000 completions, which is sufficient for light use, but if you’re serious about coding and find yourself needing more, the Pro tier at $20 a month offers unlimited completions. The Business tier, priced at $40 per user per month, is aimed at teams needing collaborative features. While these prices are reasonable in the landscape of code editors, they don't come without a few caveats: for example, the free tier may not be enough for developers engaged in larger projects, and the Pro tier may feel steep for those just dabbling in coding.
Cursor is ideally suited for developers who want to integrate AI into their workflows and are comfortable with the existing VS Code ecosystem. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for absolute beginners who might struggle with the complexity of managing a code editor that assumes a certain level of familiarity with coding concepts. It's also worth noting that while Cursor's AI capabilities are impressive, they can’t replace the nuanced understanding of a seasoned developer, particularly in more intricate coding scenarios. Overall, Cursor is a solid choice for those looking to enhance their coding experience with AI support, but it may not yet be the silver bullet that solves all coding woes.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
When I first stumbled upon Cursor, I thought, 'Great, another code editor claiming to be smarter than me.' But I gave it a whirl, and I have to admit, there’s some real potential lurking beneath that VS Code facade. Cursor is an AI-first code editor that not only looks and feels like Visual Studio Code but also attempts to enhance your coding experience with some genuinely useful features. The inline code generation triggered by Cmd+K is a highlight for me. It’s like having a coding assistant that suggests snippets as you type, saving you from the constant back-and-forth with documentation. I found myself breezing through tasks that would usually take a bit of head-scratching.
The multi-file editing capability is another thing that impressed me. I’ve often found myself juggling multiple tabs while working on a project, but Cursor allows for a more fluid experience. You can hop between files without the usual hassle, which keeps your focus intact. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I did encounter instances where the AI's suggestions were a bit off the mark, leading to some frustrating moments when I had to manually correct its outputs. It felt like I was trading one kind of error for another, which is a downside to the automation hype.
Pricing is where things get a bit sticky. The freemium model is attractive, especially with 2,000 completions available for free. But let’s be real: if you’re doing serious coding, you’ll probably need to fork out $20 a month for the Pro version. While that’s not the worst pricing tier I’ve seen, it still feels like a hurdle for casual users. The Business tier for $40 per user is aimed at teams, which might make sense, but I wonder if it’s worth it for smaller groups.
In comparison to alternatives like GitHub Copilot, Cursor has its strengths, especially if you’re already in the VS Code ecosystem. Copilot integrates nicely with GitHub workflows, which might sway some developers. But for those who want a more standalone experience that feels familiar, Cursor has its charm. Ultimately, I think Cursor is perfect for freelancers and small teams looking to step up their coding game with AI assistance. It’s not going to write your entire application for you, but it can certainly save you some time on routine tasks. If you’re a coding newbie, you might want to steer clear until you've got a better grasp on the basics, as the learning curve can be a bit steep. All in all, Cursor is worth considering if you're after a tool that enhances your coding workflow without completely overhauling how you work.
Getting started with Cursor
In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up Cursor, perform your first coding task, and optimise your use of this AI-driven code editor. By the end, you'll be writing code more efficiently with Cursor's intelligent suggestions.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first code completion
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
To save time, use keyboard shortcuts for common actions. Familiarise yourself with shortcuts like `Ctrl + Space` for suggestions and `Ctrl + B` to toggle the sidebar. This keeps your hands on the keyboard and speeds up your coding process.
Common mistake to avoid
A common mistake is neglecting to provide context in your code comments. If you don’t write meaningful comments, Cursor may struggle to provide relevant suggestions. Make it a habit to comment your code effectively for better AI assistance.
The Verdict
Cursor is a solid choice for developers looking to integrate AI into their coding routines, particularly those familiar with Visual Studio Code. However, its AI suggestions aren't perfect and may require some manual adjustments. If you're a freelance developer or part of a small team, Cursor could save you time and effort, but beginners might find it challenging. Overall, it's a tool worth trying out, especially with the free tier available.
Best For
- Freelance developers who juggle multiple projects and need an efficient coding assistant.
- Small development teams looking to optimise their workflow without losing touch with VS Code.
- Experienced coders seeking to automate mundane tasks and focus on complex challenges.
- Students learning programming who could benefit from real-time suggestions.
- Open-source contributors navigating large projects requiring quick code modifications.
- Technical writers who need to rapidly generate code examples and snippets.
At a Glance
Cursor is an AI-driven code editor that enhances coding efficiency by suggesting inline completions and executing tasks autonomously. Built on Visual Studio Code, it offers features like multi-file editing and a user-friendly chat interface, making it suitable for developers looking to leverage AI for productivity. While its freemium pricing model is appealing, serious users may find the Pro tier necessary for uninterrupted coding.
Strengths
- +Inline code generation is a game-changer for speeding up coding processes; the Cmd+K functionality means fewer syntax errors and less time wrestling with documentation.
- +The multi-file editing feature is a breath of fresh air, allowing developers to navigate between files without the constant context switching that can sap productivity.
- +Cursor's agent mode can autonomously handle complex coding tasks, which can be a massive time-saver for developers bogged down by routine coding chores.
- +The freemium pricing structure is genuinely helpful for casual users, offering enough completions to dabble without immediately opening your wallet.
- +The integration with existing VS Code extensions means you don’t have to sacrifice any of your favourite tools while using Cursor, which is a real plus.
- +The chat interface provides an intuitive way to interact with your codebase, allowing for quick queries and context-based assistance.
- +Cursor's deep understanding of codebases can help identify potential bugs or inefficiencies that a developer might overlook.
Limitations
- -The AI’s suggestions can sometimes be off-base, requiring manual adjustments that can negate the time-saving benefits it aims to provide.
- -While the free tier is decent, 2,000 completions can evaporate quickly if you're working on larger projects, which may lead to frustration.
- -The Pro tier, while offering unlimited completions, might feel a bit steep for those who are only occasional coders or hobbyists.
- -The overall user experience can feel slightly clunky at times; I encountered some lag when switching between files with multiple tabs open.
- -The learning curve can be steep for absolute beginners as the tool assumes a certain level of coding familiarity, which might be daunting.
- -Agent mode is impressive but can feel a bit like a black box; it’s not always clear how it reaches its conclusions or why it suggests certain code.
Use Cases
- -Freelance developers working on multiple projects who need to manage code efficiently without losing track of context across files.
- -Small teams collaborating on code who benefit from multi-file editing and want to streamline their workflow without sacrificing familiarity with VS Code.
- -Experienced programmers looking to automate routine coding tasks and free up time for more complex problem-solving.
- -Students learning to code who want to see practical examples and suggestions in real-time as they write their code.
- -Open-source contributors who need to navigate large codebases quickly and efficiently while making meaningful contributions.
- -Developers transitioning to new languages or frameworks who can rely on Cursor’s suggestions to ease the learning curve.
- -Technical writers involved in documenting code who need to rapidly generate code snippets and examples.
