Cursor

What it does

Cursor is a code editor with AI built in. It suggests code as you type, answers questions about your codebase, and its agent can make changes across many files to complete a task.

It is built on the same base as Visual Studio Code, so it feels familiar to many developers.

Why use it

• Understands your whole codebase, not just the open file.
• The agent can carry out multi-file changes from one instruction.
• Fast, accurate code completion as you type.
• Imports your VS Code settings and extensions.

How it works

1. Download the editor and open your project.
2. Let it index your codebase.
3. Ask questions in the chat, or press Tab to accept suggestions.
4. Give the agent a task, then review every change before accepting it.

How hard is it to use?

Advanced Made for people at home with technical tools, or ready to learn them.

Made for developers: you need to read and judge code to use it safely.

What it costs

Free plan; paid plans. A free tier with limited AI use. Paid plans for individuals and businesses raise the limits.

Prices change often, so check Cursor’s own site before you pay.

Watch out for

• Review agent changes carefully. It can introduce subtle bugs.
• Heavy use of the most capable models uses up your allowance quickly.

Your data

Your code is sent to AI model providers to answer requests. Turn on Privacy Mode if your code shouldn’t be stored by them.

Cursor doesn’t offer UK data storage, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.