Cursor

Cursor is a code editor — a program you use to write and edit software code. It looks and works like other popular editors, but has AI built in. You can ask it questions about your code, have it write new code for you, or ask it to change existing code — all by typing requests in plain English.

If you've used Visual Studio Code (VS Code) before, Cursor will feel very familiar because it's built on the same foundation.

You need to download Cursor and install it on your computer (Mac, Windows, or Linux). The free tier gives you limited AI requests. Paid plans (Pro at $20/month) give more requests and access to faster models.

If you currently use VS Code, Cursor can import all your settings, extensions, and keyboard shortcuts automatically during setup.

1. Download Cursor and install it.
2. Open a project folder — this is the folder containing the code you want to work on.
3. Try the chat panel (click the chat icon or press Cmd+L on Mac / Ctrl+L on Windows): type a question like "What does this project do?"
4. Try an inline edit: select some code, press Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+K (Windows), and describe what you want to change.
5. Review every change before accepting it — AI suggestions aren't always correct.

• Chat — Ask questions about your code in plain English. The AI can read your files to give specific answers.
• Inline edit — Select code, tell the AI what to change, and it rewrites just that section.
• Multi-file edit — Describe a bigger change and Cursor can edit multiple files at once.
• Autocomplete — As you type, Cursor suggests the next lines of code based on what you're building.