Cursor

What is Cursor

Cursor is an intelligent code editing tool that integrates advanced artificial intelligence features. Based on Visual Studio Code, it is designed to improve developer efficiency. With natural language descriptions, Cursor quickly generates and optimizes code, supports multi-file editing and contextual understanding, and helps developers spend less time writing code manually. With intelligent improvement suggestions, Cursor can actively scan code and suggest optimizations and fixes.Cursor's agent mode supports AI assistants to perform complex multi-step tasks, such as fixing bugs and running tests, and YOLO mode can automatically execute changes and run commands. With support for web search integration, codebase Q&A and other features, developers can get the latest information and solve technical problems directly in the IDE.Cursor's Smart Chat feature lets developers ask code-related questions at any time and get instant answers.

Main functions of Cursor

• AI-assisted code generation and editing
  • Composer: Automatically generate or modify code by describing requirements in natural language. Supports multi-file editing and is able to generate a complete code framework based on the project structure.
  • Inline Editor (Edit): Use shortcuts (e.g.Ctrl+K), developers can describe the changes they want directly in the code and the AI will generate the appropriate code.
  • Tab autocomplete: Predicts and suggests multiple lines of code, taking into account not only the current input, but also referencing project history and context. For TypeScript and Python, it even automatically imports unimported symbols.
• Smart Code Improvement Suggestions: Proactively analyze code and recommend improvements such as performance optimization, bug fixes, and code quality enhancements.
• BuFinder: Scans code or Git diffs for potential problems and provides one-click fixes.
• Ask: The following is an example of a shortcut key (e.g.Ctrl+L), developers can open an AI chat window to ask questions about the code, get explanations, or explore the codebase.The AI assistant can access the entire context of the project to provide accurate, relevant answers.
• Codebase Q&A: Use@CodebasemaybeCtrl+EnterAsk a question about your code base and Cursor will search your code base to find the relevant code to answer your question.
• Agent mode (Agent): Allow AI assistants to perform complex multi-step tasks such as "fix this bug and run a test". Agents can search for code, edit files, execute commands, and even resolve bugs, all in one unified interface.
• YOLO mode: AI can not only suggest changes, but also automate those changes and run commands, allowing developers to focus on high-level strategies rather than mechanical tasks.
• Web Search Integration: Use@WebAccess to the latest information from the Internet allows developers to access the latest library documentation, technical solutions and code samples directly in the IDE.
• Documentation Integration: Use@LibraryNameRefer to the documentation of popular libraries, or use the@Docs → Add new docAdd your own documents.
• multilinear editor: Multiple edits can be suggested at once to save you valuable time.
• Image Support: Click the image button below the chat or drag an image into the input box to include visual context in the chat.

Cursor official website address

Official website address: https://cursor.com/

How to use Cursor

• Download & InstallationTo download Cursor, visit the Cursor website and click on "Download for Windows" or the installation package for your system. Double-click the downloaded package, run it as administrator and follow the instructions to complete the installation.
• Configuration and Setup
  • Importing VSCode Configuration: After the installation is complete, Cursor prompts whether to import the VSCode configuration. Choosing to import allows you to keep your familiar VSCode settings and plugins.
  • language pack: If the default interface is English, you can search and install the Chinese language pack in the plug-in market, and restart Cursor after installation.
  • Shortcut Key Setting: Cursor supports a variety of shortcuts, such asCtrl+Kused to open the generation window.Ctrl+LUsed to open a dialog box.
• Code generation and editing::
  • utilizationCtrl+KOpen the generation window, enter a natural language description of the requirement, and Cursor will generate the appropriate code.
  • Select the code and pressCtrl+K, describes how to change the code, and Cursor will provide suggestions for changes.
• Intelligent Completion::
  • utilizationTabThe key accepts the code-completion suggestions provided by Cursor.
  • Cursor predicts your next edit based on context, providing multi-line editing suggestions.
• Chat function::
  • utilizationCtrl+LOpen a dialog box to ask the AI code-related questions, or ask the AI to change the code.
  • utilization@Symbols refer to files or code symbols in the code base to provide context for AI.
• Codebase Q&A::
  • utilization@CodebasemaybeCtrl+EnterAsk a question about the codebase and Cursor will search the codebase and provide an answer.
• Image & Web Search::
  • Click the image button below the chat or drag an image into the input box to provide visual context for the AI.
  • utilization@WebGet the latest information from the Internet, Cursor will search the web and answer questions.
• multilinear editor: Cursor can save time by suggesting multiple edits at once.
• Intelligent Rewriting: The Cursor will automatically correct any input errors.
• Cursor Prediction: Cursor predicts your next cursor position for easy code navigation.
• instant application: Click the play button at the top of the chat code block to apply the code suggestion to the code base.
• agency model: Enable agent mode and the AI will actively assist with coding tasks such as fixing bugs and running tests.
• best practice
  • Precise Context: Use@file,@foldermaybe@git diffPrecise circling of the scope improves the focus of AI.
  • design documentation: Put design ideas, PR checklist, etc. in the.cursor/folder, the Cursor will automatically read it.
  • manual amendment: If the AI-generated code is wrong, just fix it manually and then let the AI learn the correct code.
  • Iteration of chat logs: Iterate on old conversations instead of starting over each time to increase efficiency.
  • Model Selection: Select the appropriate model according to the task, e.g. Claude for document processing and GPT-4 for business logic.

Cursor's Product Advantages

• Efficient code contextualization: Supports multiple models, including the option to use custom API keys, understands the context of the entire project, and provides more precise recommendations and complements.
• Powerful Intelligent Agent Coding Model: Support for developers to guide the implementation process directly through the AI chat interface, where the tool can read and modify files and execute commands autonomously.
• Rich User Experience Features: Integrates rich context providers such as Git diff comparisons, prior AI conversations, web search, library documentation, and MCP integration.
• Free trial with flexible payment model: A 14-day free trial is available, with more advanced features unlocked for a fee.

Cursor application scenarios

Cursor's application scenarios include: rapid code generation and optimization, developers can quickly generate high quality code by describing requirements in natural language, reducing the time spent on writing code manually; optimizing and refactoring existing code to improve code quality. Team Collaboration, designers and developers can work together seamlessly; designers can complete the design in Figma and developers can access the design data directly through Cursor for development. Learning and teaching, novice developers can quickly learn programming and understand code logic and structure through Cursor; teachers can use Cursor to generate sample code to assist teaching.