Cursor - an AI-powered VSCode fork
TLDRCursor, a new AI-powered VSCode fork, promises to revolutionize coding workflows, offering a seamless experience for developers familiar with VSCode. It integrates with Co-Pilot and built-in AI, requiring a subscription for full capabilities. The editor simplifies tasks like code rewriting and bug fixing, reducing the need for manual context switching. Despite some limitations, such as challenges with newer technologies not yet in its training data, Cursor enhances productivity, potentially replacing traditional tools like Stack Overflow and Google for many developers.
Takeaways
- ๐ Cursor is an AI-powered fork of VSCode that enhances coding workflow and speed.
- ๐ It offers a simple one-click migration for existing VSCode users and is compatible with Co-pilot.
- ๐ฐ There is a cost associated with using Cursor's full capabilities, but there are ways to save on expenses.
- ๐ Users can use an open API key or direct payment for accessing advanced features.
- ๐ Cursor's interface allows for quick AI integration with a simple command to rewrite code snippets.
- ๐ It provides context-aware assistance, unlike Chat GPT, which requires manual context switching.
- ๐ ๏ธ Cursor helps in fixing bugs by analyzing the entire file context, offering explanations and fixes.
- ๐ It can be trained with additional documentation to understand and use newer or specific libraries and frameworks.
- ๐ Despite using GPT 4 as a base, Cursor still faces some of the same weaknesses, such as outdated knowledge.
- ๐ฑ๏ธ Features like inline code editing (Command K) can automate tedious tasks, but may require precise prompting.
- ๐ Cursor can perform more complex tasks like scanning entire codebases and offering AI linting, though some features are still being explored.
Q & A
What is the name of the AI-powered editor that the speaker is discussing?
-The speaker is discussing an editor called 'Cursor', which is a fork of Visual Studio Code (VS Code).
Does using Cursor require relearning a new interface or commands like Vim or Emacs?
-No, using Cursor does not require relearning a new interface or commands because it is a fork of VS Code, making it familiar to users already accustomed to VS Code.
Can users integrate GitHub Copilot with Cursor?
-Yes, users can integrate GitHub Copilot with Cursor, as well as use the built-in AI for enhanced coding assistance.
What is the pricing structure for using the full capabilities of Cursor?
-To get the best power of Cursor, users need to pay for the service. They can either pay directly or use an Open AI key. There are also tips for saving costs, allowing users to use the service for $20 a month without going broke.
How does Cursor handle the integration of context for coding assistance?
-Cursor integrates context seamlessly by loading the relevant information into styled components with just a couple of button clicks, making it faster and more efficient than using Chat GPT.
What is the speaker's experience with using AI for non-programming tasks?
-The speaker still uses Chat GPT for non-programming tasks and has found that the integration of AI has made it easier to use for a variety of purposes.
How does Cursor assist in fixing bugs in the code?
-Cursor assists in fixing bugs by providing an explanation of what could be going wrong and offering code to fix the issue, which can be directly copied and pasted into the user's codebase.
What is the speaker's view on Cursor replacing Stack Overflow and Google for fixing bugs?
-The speaker finds that Cursor has largely replaced Stack Overflow and Google for fixing bugs due to its efficiency and the context-aware assistance it provides.
What are some of the weaknesses of Chat GPT that the speaker mentions?
-The speaker mentions that Chat GPT has weaknesses in understanding the context of certain tasks, such as rewriting code in preact signals, and providing incorrect information due to its knowledge cutoff date.
How does Cursor handle large codebases and the associated costs?
-Cursor can handle large codebases by allowing users to chat with the entire codebase, but it's noted that there are token limits, and efficiency tricks are used to manage costs for large codebases.
What additional features does Cursor offer for code editing and debugging?
-Cursor offers features like inline code editing with command K, auto-debugging in the terminal, and AI linting, although the speaker admits they haven't fully explored how AI linting works.
Outlines
๐ Introduction to the New Editor Cursor
The speaker introduces a new editor cursor that has revolutionized their coding workflow, replacing both VS Code and Chat GPT. The cursor is a fork of VS Code, allowing for a simple migration process and compatibility with co-pilot and built-in AI. The user is informed that to unlock the full potential of the cursor, a subscription is required, but there are cost-saving strategies available. The cursor's interface is demonstrated, showcasing its ability to rewrite code with minimal effort and integrate context more seamlessly than Chat GPT, which has also led to a reduced reliance on Stack Overflow and Google for debugging.
๐ ๏ธ Fixing Code Errors with the Editor Cursor
The speaker demonstrates how the editor cursor can identify and fix code errors, providing explanations and corrected code snippets. This feature is particularly useful for users who may not be experts in TypeScript, as the cursor can suggest precise fixes and help understand the reasoning behind them. The cursor's ability to understand the entire context of the file is highlighted, which is a significant advantage over traditional error identification methods.
๐ Overcoming Weaknesses and Exploring Advanced Features
The speaker addresses the weaknesses of Chat GPT and explores whether the editor cursor can overcome them. They attempt to rewrite a file using preact signals, which initially fails due to the AI's limitations regarding updates post its knowledge cutoff date. However, by adding documentation, the cursor learns and successfully performs the task, albeit with some input adjustments required. The speaker also discusses other features like inline code editing and the potential of the cursor to interact with large codebases, although they acknowledge some limitations and areas for improvement.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กCursor
๐กVSCode
๐กCo-pilot
๐กAI
๐กChat GPT
๐กPricing
๐กGPT 3.5
๐กTypeScript
๐กStack Overflow
๐กPreact
๐กDebugging
Highlights
Cursor is an AI-powered fork of VSCode that enhances coding workflow.
It offers a one-click migration for existing VSCode users and compatibility with Co-pilot.
Cursor's built-in AI provides significant improvements over GPT 3.5.
There is a cost associated with using the full power of Cursor, but it offers cost-saving tips.
Cursor's interface allows for quick chat integration with command and L.
It rewrites code within the context of styled components, improving upon chat GPT's limitations.
Cursor reduces the need for manual context switching compared to chat GPT.
It has largely replaced Stack Overflow and Google for fixing bugs.
Cursor provides explanations and code fixes for errors, enhancing debugging.
Cursor's context awareness helps in fixing errors without needing to manually provide code snippets.
Cursor's efficiency can be costly with large code bases due to token limits.
Cursor can inline edit code with command K, simplifying tedious tasks.
Cursor's AI can work with entire codebases, becoming more useful as the codebase grows.
Cursor has features like Auto-debug and AI linting, though their utility may require further exploration.
Cursor's integration of documentation can help overcome weaknesses in understanding newer technologies.
Cursor's base model, GPT 4, has limitations that are reflected in Cursor's capabilities.
Cursor is recommended for improving coding efficiency but does not replace the need for critical thinking.
User experiences with Cursor have been positive, but effectiveness may vary based on how it's used.
