I Tried Cursor AI and Dumped Github Copilot Instantly (How to Use Cursor AI)

Yes, Cursor AI IDE is THAT Good, and you cannot afford to miss it.

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, overwhelmed by the complexity of code editors? If so, you’re not alone. Many developers, especially beginners, struggle to navigate the vast array of features and functionalities offered by modern code editors. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of Cursor Code Editor and explore how to make the most of this powerful tool.

Cursor AI Code Editor: Best Github Copilot Alternative

What is Cursor Code Editor?

You might be tied to Github Copilot for a long time now. Yes, it boosts your productivity, but the output quality is getting worse and worse, boggling down your productivity and development speed. Basically, the subscription seems to be less and less attractive, on a daily basis.

That’s where Cursor Code Editor is coming in. It is the AI Code Editor that powers up your coding process for developers of all levels.

• It offers a wide range of features, including syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging, and integration with popular version control systems.

Just Hit Tab, That’s All You Need for Cursor AI IDE

Want to generate code with AI? Install Cursor, and Just hit TAB.

During software development, you shouldn’t let tools to bring down your productivity. For example, in Software Testing, you might be tired of of the limitations by Postman. It sucks, I can feel it as well.

However, not all Postman alternatives are created equal. What you want is an actual, Fully Functional Postman alternative for API testing. In this case, You have to give Apidog(https://apidog.com/) a try.

Apidog is the truly full-featured Postman Alternative, fitting for API Design, API Automated Testing, API Mocking, API Documentation, in an integrated workflow!

Ready to power up your Start-up Dev team to be a team of superhuman? Cursor + Apidog, Let’s Go🚀🚀🚀🚀

Cursor

Why Choose Cursor Code Editor?

There are plenty of code editors out there — VS Code, Sublime Text, Atom, just to name a few. So, why should you consider Cursor Code Editor? Well, it’s not just another text editor. Cursor Code Editor stands out not just because of its speed and simplicity, but also because of its advanced AI capabilities. Here are a few reasons why it’s an excellent choice for developers:

• AI-Powered Code Assistance: Cursor Code Editor integrates AI to assist you as you code. The AI can suggest code completions, detect potential errors, and even auto-generate code snippets based on the context. This feature greatly enhances productivity by reducing the time spent on routine coding tasks.
• Code Explanation and Documentation: The AI within Cursor Code Editor can analyze and explain code snippets in real-time. If you’re working with unfamiliar code or need quick insights into a complex function, simply highlight the code and ask the AI to explain it. This feature is perfect for learning, code reviews, and understanding legacy code.
• Intelligent Refactoring: Cursor’s AI can also assist with refactoring your code. It can suggest optimizations, identify redundant code, and help you reorganize your codebase for better performance and readability. This ensures that your code is not only functional but also efficient.
• Context-Aware Suggestions: Unlike basic autocomplete features found in other editors, Cursor’s AI provides context-aware suggestions that consider the entire codebase. This leads to more accurate and relevant code completions, helping you write correct code faster.
• Lightning-fast performance: No more lagging or freezing when you’re working with large files.
• Clean and intuitive UI: Spend less time figuring out the interface and more time coding.
• Rich plugin ecosystem: Customize your editor with plugins that add functionality tailored to your workflow.

With these AI-driven features, Cursor Code Editor doesn’t just make coding easier; it makes you a more efficient and informed developer, allowing you to focus on building and innovating rather than getting bogged down by repetitive tasks.

Setting Up Cursor Code Editor

Getting started with Cursor Code Editor is straightforward. Here’s how to set it up on your machine:

Step 1: Download and Install

First things first, head over to the official Cursor Code Editor website and download the installer. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, so no matter your OS, you’re covered.

Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The installation process is quick and doesn’t require any complicated configurations.

Step 2: Initial Setup and Configuration

After installation, launch Cursor Code Editor. The first time you open it, you’ll be greeted with a welcome screen that walks you through the basic setup. This includes:

• Theme selection: Choose between a dark or light theme depending on your preference. You can always change this later.
• Font settings: Adjust the font size and typeface to make your coding experience more comfortable.
• Plugins and Extensions: Cursor Code Editor comes with a built-in plugin manager, allowing you to easily install and manage plugins.

Cursor is built on VSCode, so if you’re already familiar with VSCode, you’ll feel right at home. You can even use any VSCode extension within Cursor. If you’re a GitHub Copilot user, you’ll find the experience identical — Cursor predicts the next lines of code as you type, just like Copilot.

Step 3: Connecting to a Version Control System

Cursor Code Editor integrates seamlessly with Git, allowing you to manage your repositories directly from the editor.

Once connected, you’ll be able to stage, commit, and push changes without ever leaving the editor.

Navigating the Cursor Code Interface

Now that you have Cursor Code Editor up and running, it’s time to get familiar with its interface. At first glance, it might seem a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry — we’ll break it down step by step.

The Sidebar

The sidebar is your go-to for navigating your project. It’s divided into several sections:

• Explorer: This is where you’ll find your project files and folders. You can expand and collapse directories, create new files, and rename or delete existing ones.
• Search: Need to find something quickly? The search function allows you to search across your entire project.
• Source Control: As mentioned earlier, this is where you manage your Git repositories.
• Extensions: Here’s where you manage your plugins and extensions. You can browse the marketplace, install new tools, and keep everything up to date.

The Editor Area

This is where the magic happens — your code lives here. The editor area supports multiple tabs, so you can work on several files simultaneously. You can split the editor into multiple panes, allowing you to view and edit files side by side.

The Status Bar

At the bottom of the screen, you’ll find the status bar. It provides real-time information such as the current line number, the file’s encoding, and Git branch status. You can also use it to toggle settings like word wrap and indentation.

Command Palette

One of the most powerful features of Cursor Code Editor is the Command Palette. Press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS) to open it. The Command Palette allows you to perform nearly any action within the editor just by typing a few keywords. Whether you need to run a command, install a plugin, or configure settings, the Command Palette is your best friend.

Writing and Managing Code

Writing code in Cursor Code Editor is a smooth experience, thanks to its intelligent features designed to boost your productivity.

Code IntelliSense

Cursor Code Editor comes with built-in IntelliSense, which provides smart code completions based on the context of your code. Whether you’re writing JavaScript, Python, or any other language, IntelliSense can predict what you’re trying to type and suggest the next word or line of code. This not only speeds up your coding but also helps reduce errors.

Code Generation in Cursor Code Editor

One of the standout features of Cursor Code Editor is its robust code generation capabilities. This tool helps you write boilerplate code quickly, reducing repetitive tasks and allowing you to focus on more complex logic. Cursor Code Editor utilize AI to generate code based. This is particularly useful for filling in repetitive patterns or when you’re unsure of the syntax

By leveraging these code generation tools, you can significantly speed up your development process and ensure consistency across your codebase.

You can easily modify your code by highlighting it with your mouse and pressing Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K). For example, if you want to change the game from a 3x3 grid to a 4x4 grid, this command will help you quickly make the necessary adjustments.

Using Cmd+L or Ctrl+L in Cursor Code Editor

Cursor Code Editor includes a powerful feature where you can quickly ask the integrated chat assistant to explain a piece of code. This functionality is especially useful when you’re working with unfamiliar code or need a quick understanding of a complex snippet.

How to Use Cmd+L or Ctrl+L:

Highlight the Code: First, select the block of code you want to understand by highlighting it with your mouse.

Example Use Case

Imagine you’re working on a project that includes a complex function written by another developer. You’re not entirely sure how the function works or what each line does. Instead of spending time deciphering the code yourself, you can use this feature to get an immediate explanation.

For instance, suppose you have the following Python code:

If you’re unsure how this function calculates the total price with tax, you can highlight the code, hit Cmd+L or Ctrl+L, and ask the chat assistant what the code does.

Explanation (for example):

This functionality is particularly helpful in scenarios where you need quick insights into code written by others or when working with legacy code that lacks proper documentation. It saves time and enhances your understanding, allowing you to continue developing with confidence.

Keyboard Shortcuts and Productivity Tips

To make the most out of Cursor Code Editor, learning a few keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow. Here are some of the most useful ones:

• Ctrl+P / Cmd+P: Quickly open a file by name.
• Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P: Open the Command Palette.
• Ctrl+G / Cmd+G: Go to a specific line number.
• Ctrl+/ / Cmd+/: Comment or uncomment the selected lines.
• Ctrl+D: Select the next occurrence of the current selection.
• Alt+Up/Down / Option+Up/Down: Move a line up or down.

Productivity Tips

• Use the Integrated Terminal: Cursor Code Editor comes with an integrated terminal, so you can run shell commands without leaving the editor. Open it with Ctrl+ (backtick).
• Enable Auto-Save: To avoid losing work, enable auto-save by going to File > Auto Save.
• Split Your Workspace: If you’re working on multiple files, split the editor into multiple panes by right-clicking a tab and selecting Split Right or Split Down.

Best Practices for Using Cursor Code Editor

To ensure you’re getting the most out of Cursor Code Editor, here are some best practices to follow:

Keep Your Plugins in Check

While plugins are powerful, installing too many can slow down the editor. Be selective and regularly review the plugins you have installed. Disable or uninstall any that you no longer use.

Learn the Command Palette

The Command Palette is a central feature of Cursor Code Editor, and the more familiar you are with it, the faster you can perform tasks. Spend some time learning the commands you use frequently.

Use Git Integration

Leverage the built-in Git integration to keep your version control workflow smooth. You can stage, commit, and push changes directly from the editor, reducing the need to switch to another tool.

Regularly Update Cursor Code Editor

The development team behind Cursor Code Editor frequently releases updates that include new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Keep your editor up to date to benefit from these enhancements.

Backup Your Settings

If you’ve spent time customizing Cursor Code Editor, make sure to back up your settings. You can sync settings across devices using services like GitHub or create a manual backup of your configuration files.

Conclusion

Cursor Code Editor is more than just a text editor — it’s a comprehensive development environment that can adapt to your workflow and enhance your productivity. From writing and debugging code to managing APIs with Apidog(https://apidog.com/), this editor has everything you need to streamline your development process.

As you continue to explore Cursor Code Editor, you’ll discover even more features and tools that make coding more enjoyable and efficient. So, dive in, experiment with different settings and plugins, and make Cursor Code Editor your own.

Remember, if you’re working with APIs, don’t forget to download Apidog for free. It’s the perfect companion to Cursor Code Editor, making API development smoother and more intuitive.