The Ultimate Debate Concludes：Cursor Leads the AI Editor into a New Era

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In the modern world of software development, editors and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) are indispensable tools for developers. However, the competition and choice between these tools often cause headaches for developers. Some are loyal to the long-standing Visual Studio, others prefer the lightweight Visual Studio Code, and some opt for the more specialized JetBrains suite. However, these tools remain fragmented and difficult to unify. This could all change with the advent of a next-generation AI editor called Cursor.

Breaking New Ground: Cursor's Decision to Fork VS Code

Cursor is an editor based on a fork of Visual Studio Code (VS Code), but unlike traditional editors, it deeply integrates AI technology into various functionalities. This allows Cursor to leverage VS Code's robust plugin ecosystem while enhancing the user experience through AI.

Compared to other similar products like GitHub Copilot, Cursor's main advantage lies in its deep integration with the editor. This means that AI functionalities are not merely add-ons but are embedded into the editor itself, enabling users to naturally and efficiently utilize these intelligent features in their daily tasks. As a result, in terms of user experience, Cursor has already significantly outperformed many competitors.

Let's take a look at a few real-world use cases in development:

Scenario 1: Fixing Styling Issues

A markdown content on a live service was found not to wrap as required.

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In the Cursor editor, select the code and click Add to Chat.

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Input the issue encountered.

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Cursor provides a suggestion. Click Accept to complete the fix. If you don't want to replace everything, you can accept the changes one by one, similar to merging code.

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Review the page, and you'll find the issue has been fixed—the entire process took less than a minute, and I personally have little experience in front-end development.

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Scenario 2: Helping Find Relevant Code Snippets in the Repository

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Scenario 3: Providing a Prompt for Cursor to Add Code

For instance, here you need to add a line of code to send an alert.

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After clicking Generate, Cursor will automatically add the code at the cursor's location.

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Cursor includes the following core features:

  • Intelligent Code Completion: Cursor leverages context and history to provide more precise code completion suggestions, helping you write flawless code.
  • Automatic Code Refactoring: AI automatically identifies and optimizes inefficient or redundant code, making your code more efficient and concise.
  • Multi-Language Support: Whether it's TypeScript, Java, Python, Go, or Rust, Cursor handles it all seamlessly, giving you an edge in development.
  • Deep Editor Integration: Cursor seamlessly integrates AI with the editor, taking your development experience to unprecedented heights.

Additionally, there are numerous websites dedicated to collecting Cursor prompts, such as this one: https://www.fflowlink.com/en/cursor. If you need Cursor to perform more complex functions, you can check these out.

Unifying the Fragmented Editor Landscape

Currently, developers often need to switch between different editors when working on different projects or languages. This fragmentation not only reduces efficiency but also increases the learning curve. Cursor aims to solve this pain point.

Cursor is not just an innovation in functionality; it fundamentally changes how developers work. In the past, developers relied more on their personal development skills; now, they increasingly rely on their ability to review code.

  • From "Tool" to "Assistant": Through AI, Cursor not only helps developers complete tasks but also anticipates and solves potential problems, becoming a true intelligent assistant for developers.
  • Formation of an Ecosystem: By leveraging Visual Studio Code's plugins and open APIs, Cursor allows developers to expand its capabilities according to their needs, fostering a thriving community and ecosystem.
  • Lowering the Learning Curve: For beginners, Cursor's all-in-one environment and intelligent features significantly lower the learning barrier, making it easier for more people to enter the field of development.

Final Thoughts

The emergence of Cursor marks a new era for AI editors. It not only provides developers with a smarter, more efficient way of working but also takes a significant step towards unifying the tools landscape. Despite the challenges that remain, with its powerful AI technology and broad functionality, Cursor is poised to become the go-to tool for developers in the future, truly achieving unification in the editor space.

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