Cursor
The AI code editor
Cursor is an AI-native code editor built on VS Code that integrates AI directly into every aspect of the development workflow. Unlike extensions that add AI to existing editors, Cursor was rebuilt from the ground up around AI capabilities, offering intelligent tab completions, natural language commands, multi-file editing, and deep codebase understanding.
Key Capabilities
Cursor provides unlimited tab completions and Auto mode (automatic model selection), AI agent requests for complex multi-step tasks, natural language terminal commands, and multi-file editing through its Composer feature. The editor uses advanced embeddings to understand your entire codebase, enabling context-aware suggestions. Since June 2025, Cursor uses a credit-based billing system where credits are consumed based on which AI models you use — from free Auto mode to premium models like Claude and Gemini.
Who Should Use Cursor
Cursor is ideal for developers who want AI deeply woven into their coding workflow rather than bolted on as an extension. It is particularly valuable for full-stack developers working across multiple files, teams building complex applications, and anyone who finds VS Code extensions insufficient for their AI-assisted development needs.
Getting Started
Download Cursor for free at cursor.com. The Hobby plan includes 2,000 code completions and 50 slow premium model requests per month. Since Cursor is built on VS Code, your existing extensions, settings, and keybindings transfer seamlessly. Upgrade to Pro at $20/month for 500 fast premium requests and unlimited completions.
Pricing & Accessibility: Cursor offers a Free (Hobby) tier with 2,000 completions and 50 slow requests, Pro at $20/month (500 fast premium requests, unlimited completions), and Business at $40/user/month with centralized billing and SSO. Annual billing saves 20%. Credit overages are billed based on the model's API cost.
Why Consider Cursor: Cursor is the only major code editor built from the ground up around AI, rather than adding AI to an existing editor. Its deep codebase understanding through embeddings, multi-file editing via Composer, and Auto mode that selects the best model automatically create a uniquely fluid AI-assisted development experience that extensions cannot replicate.
Pros
- Built from the ground up as an AI-native editor, not an extension
- Deep codebase understanding through advanced embeddings
- Multi-file editing with Composer feature
- Auto mode automatically selects the best AI model at no credit cost
- Seamless migration from VS Code with all extensions and settings
Cons
- Credit-based billing can become expensive with heavy premium model usage
- More expensive than GitHub Copilot for individual developers
- Requires switching from your current editor to Cursor's standalone app
Who is this for?
Full-stack development, multi-file refactoring, complex application building, AI-assisted debugging, natural language code generation, codebase exploration and understanding, rapid prototyping
Frequently Asked Questions about Cursor
Can I use my VS Code extensions in Cursor?
Yes, Cursor is built on VS Code so all your existing extensions, themes, settings, and keybindings transfer seamlessly. The migration from VS Code is essentially effortless.
What is Auto mode?
Auto mode automatically selects the most appropriate AI model for each task without consuming your premium credits. It provides unlimited usage and lets Cursor intelligently choose between different models based on the complexity of your request.
How does the credit system work?
Your monthly subscription includes a credit allowance. Credits are consumed when you manually choose premium models like Claude or Gemini. Auto mode is free and unlimited. If you exceed your credit pool, extra usage is billed based on the model's API cost.
Pricing
freemium
$20/month (Pro)
Free tier: 2,000 completions, 50 slow premium requests per month
Details
APINo
Open SourceNo
CollaborationYes
LanguagesAll programming languages supported by VS Code
Learning CurveLow (for VS Code users)
Integrations
VS Code extensions ecosystemGitterminal
