Cursor AI - Everything you need to know

If you’re looking for a code editor that goes beyond basic functionality, Cursor might be exactly what you need. It’s built on Visual Studio Code and uses AI to help you write, edit, and manage your entire project with ease.

Whether you’re building a simple app or tackling something bigger, Cursor speeds up your workflow, handles repetitive tasks, and keeps everything organized. Best of all, it’s free to download, and you can try Cursor Pro for two weeks at no cost.

Let’s walk through how Cursor can make your coding experience smoother and faster.

AI Autocomplete: Smarter Suggestions, Faster Coding

Typing out repetitive code or guessing the next step? Cursor’s AI Autocomplete has you covered. Unlike traditional autocomplete tools, Cursor understands your project’s setup. As you type, it suggests options that fit seamlessly with your existing code. For example, if you’re writing a function or using specific variables, it predicts what you’ll need next.

This saves time and effort by reducing the need to search through files or documentation. It’s like having a coding assistant that’s always a step ahead.

AI Chat: Real-Time Help and Edits

Got a coding question or need to tweak something? Cursor’s AI Chat is here to help. You can type requests directly into the chat, such as:

“Make this function easier to read.”

“Add error handling to this script.”

Instead of just giving suggestions, Cursor makes the changes right in your code. It’s a straightforward way to get answers and edits without jumping between your editor and search engines.

Composer: Generate and Edit Code Across Files

Cursor’s Composer feature takes multitasking to a new level. Instead of focusing on one file at a time, you can make edits across your entire project or even generate new code, all from a single instruction.

For example, try this:

“Create a login form with validation and connect it to the user database.”

Composer handles everything, from generating the files to ensuring they fit your project’s structure. You can review the changes, save them, or reject edits you don’t need. It’s all about staying in control while saving time.

Cursor’s Composer gives you simple tools to manage these changes:

• 💾 Save: Test changes without saving them.

• 🛑 Reject: Discard unwanted edits.

• 🔄 Reapply: Bring back changes you rejected.

• ✅ Apply: Finalize changes and save them to your code.

Sync Cursor with XCode for Faster Mobile Development

If you’re building iOS apps, you’ll love how Cursor works with XCode.

Write and edit your Swift files in Cursor, and sync changes directly to XCode. This setup makes it easy to code and test without disrupting your workflow. It’s a simple, clean way to develop apps faster.

You can read a full Guide on How to sync Cursor AI with Xcode Projects

Agents: Automate Your Coding Workflow

Cursor’s Agents are like having extra hands for your project. They can:

• Run terminal commands

• Make edits across multiple files

• Build databases and start services

For large projects, this automation saves hours of manual work. Let Cursor handle the busywork so you can focus on the bigger picture.

File Tagging: Stay in Control of AI Edits

When you’re working on larger projects, keeping edits organized is key. Cursor’s File Tagging feature lets you guide the AI to specific files or folders for changes. For instance, you could say:

“Add a new SwiftUI view called UserProfile in the Views/Profile folder.”

You can review all changes before saving and use Git for version control to protect your work. This keeps everything neat and manageable.

A summary:

• Be clear: Tell Cursor exactly what to build and where to make changes.

• Double-check: Review changes before saving them.

• Test before applying: Use the “Save All” feature to test changes and finalize when you’re ready.

• Always use Git: For major updates, use version control to protect your code.

Customize Your AI with Cursorrules

Every project has its own standards, and Cursor helps you stick to them. With .cursorrules, you can customize how the AI formats and writes your code.

Examples include:

“Use camelCase for variables.”

“Follow Vue Composition API conventions.”

You can also get Cursor pre-made rules for popular frameworks, making it easy to apply consistent coding styles.

2. Free Cursorrules Extension

If you want easy access to common rules, I have Cursor Rules Manager extension in the Marketplace. It comes with over 70 ready-to-use rules for popular frameworks, saving you the trouble of creating or copying them.

You can apply rules directly to your project, making sure your code stays clean and consistent. http://cursor.directory

Or, you can create your own using my guideHow to generate your own Cursorrules

3. Conclusion

Cursor isn’t just a code editor. It’s a complete toolkit for smarter, faster development.

With features like AI-powered autocomplete, real-time chat, multi-file editing, and customizable rules, Cursor streamlines your workflow and makes coding more enjoyable.

Have a look at the rest of my Cursor guides:

• How to keep your code private with Cursor AI

• How to use Cursor with a large codebase

• 5 Cursor pro tips for rapid MVP development

• How to add custom documentation in Cursor AI

Happy coding! 🚀