Cursor AI IDE Review: The Future of Coding in 2024

baoshi.rao

Introduction

If you're a developer searching for the next evolution in code editing, Cursor AI IDE is likely already on your radar. As someone who has spent countless hours in various IDEs, I was initially skeptical about yet another "AI-powered" tool. However, after using Cursor for several months, I can confidently say it's not just another editor—it's a game-changer that's reshaping how we write code.

In this comprehensive review, we'll explore whether Cursor truly lives up to its promises and whether it's worth making the switch from your current development environment.

Overview of Cursor AI IDE

Brand: Cursor
Category: AI-Powered Code Editor
Main Features: AI code completion, chat-based coding, built-in terminal, Git integration
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Pricing: Free tier available, Pro plan at $20/month

Cursor is built on top of VS Code's architecture, which means you get all the familiar features you love, plus powerful AI capabilities that feel like having a senior developer sitting next to you.

Design and User Interface

The first thing you'll notice about Cursor is how familiar it feels. Since it's built on VS Code's foundation, the interface is clean, intuitive, and highly customizable. The dark theme looks professional, and the layout is optimized for productivity.

What sets Cursor apart visually is the AI chat panel that sits alongside your code editor. It's unobtrusive but always accessible, making it feel like a natural part of your workflow rather than an add-on.

The editor supports multiple panes, split views, and all the standard IDE features you'd expect. The file explorer, search functionality, and debugging tools work exactly as you'd expect from a modern code editor.

Key Features and Performance

1. AI Code Completion

Cursor's AI completion is incredibly intelligent. Unlike basic autocomplete, it understands context and can generate entire functions, classes, or even complete features. The suggestions are contextually relevant and often spot-on.

Performance: The AI responses are impressively fast, typically appearing within 1-3 seconds. The suggestions are accurate about 80% of the time, which is remarkable for AI-generated code.

2. Chat-Based Coding

This is where Cursor truly shines. You can have natural conversations with the AI about your code. Ask it to explain complex functions, refactor code, add new features, or debug issues. The AI understands your entire codebase context and provides relevant suggestions.

Example conversation:

You: "I need to add error handling to this API endpoint"
AI: "I'll help you add comprehensive error handling. Here's the updated code with try-catch blocks and proper error responses..."

3. Built-in Terminal and Git Integration

Cursor includes a full-featured terminal and excellent Git integration. You can commit, push, pull, and manage branches directly from the editor. The Git diff view is clean and easy to use.

4. Extension Support

Since Cursor is built on VS Code, it supports most VS Code extensions. This means you can use your favorite themes, language servers, and productivity tools.

User Experience and Workflow

Getting Started

Setting up Cursor is straightforward. Download, install, and you're ready to go. The AI features work out of the box, though you'll want to connect your GitHub account for the best experience.

Daily Workflow

My typical workflow with Cursor involves:

Opening a project and letting the AI understand the codebase
Using chat to discuss implementation approaches
Leveraging AI completion for boilerplate code
Using the AI to review and optimize existing code

The AI becomes particularly valuable when working with unfamiliar frameworks or libraries. It can explain concepts, suggest best practices, and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Learning Curve

If you're familiar with VS Code, you'll feel right at home. The AI features are intuitive and don't require special training. The chat interface uses natural language, so you can ask questions the same way you'd ask a colleague.

Price and Value for Money

Free Tier: Surprisingly generous, includes most AI features with some usage limits.

Pro Plan ($20/month): Removes usage limits and adds advanced features like:

Unlimited AI conversations
Priority support
Advanced code analysis
Team collaboration features

Value Assessment: For professional developers, the Pro plan is worth every penny. The time saved through AI assistance easily justifies the cost. For students or hobbyists, the free tier is excellent.

Comparison with Alternatives

Cursor vs. VS Code

Cursor: Built-in AI, chat interface, faster development
VS Code: More extensions, lighter weight, no AI features

Cursor vs. GitHub Copilot

Cursor: Chat interface, better context understanding, standalone editor
GitHub Copilot: Plugin-based, requires VS Code, more limited interaction

Cursor vs. JetBrains IDEs

Cursor: AI-first approach, faster startup, more affordable
JetBrains: More mature, better debugging, higher cost

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Revolutionary AI integration that actually works
Familiar VS Code interface with powerful additions
Excellent code completion and generation
Natural language chat interface
Good performance and stability
Generous free tier
Cross-platform support

Cons:

Requires internet connection for AI features
Some advanced debugging features are missing
AI suggestions occasionally need manual review
Limited offline functionality
Still relatively new (fewer community resources)

Who Is Cursor For?

Perfect for:

Developers who want to boost productivity
Teams working on new projects
Developers learning new technologies
Anyone who spends significant time coding

May not be ideal for:

Developers who prefer offline-only tools
Teams with strict security requirements
Users who prefer traditional IDEs without AI

Conclusion

Cursor AI IDE represents a significant leap forward in development tools. It's not just another code editor—it's a glimpse into the future of software development. The AI integration is genuinely useful and becomes more valuable the longer you use it.

While it's still maturing, the core features work exceptionally well. The combination of familiar interface and powerful AI capabilities makes it an excellent choice for modern developers.

Final Verdict: If you're open to AI-assisted development and want to boost your productivity, Cursor is definitely worth trying. The free tier lets you test it thoroughly, and the Pro plan delivers excellent value for professional developers.

The future of coding is here, and Cursor is leading the way.

This review is based on personal experience using Cursor AI IDE for several months across various projects. Your experience may vary depending on your specific use case and coding style.