FREE: Cursor AI Code Editor Github Copilot & VS Code Alternative!🤖👨‍💻 Complete AI Coding Tool

Josh Pocock
28 Jul 202414:18

TLDRJosh Pook introduces Cursor, a free AI code editor that rivals GitHub Copilot, offering a cost-effective alternative for developers. Cursor, similar to VS Code, is powered by AI to enhance productivity. It features a chat interface for code inquiries, predictive coding, and the ability to import extensions from VS Code. Pook also discusses the open-source alternative, Continue Dev, and the potential of using multiple AI tools in tandem. The video explores Cursor's features, including its privacy mode and model customization, and encourages viewers to join the community for further insights.

Takeaways

  • 🤖 Cursor is a free alternative to GitHub Copilot, offering AI coding assistance without the need for purchase.
  • 👨‍💻 Cursor is built to be highly productive, acting as an AI-powered code editor similar to Visual Studio Code (VS Code).
  • 🔍 Cursor has gained popularity in recent months and is considered an IDE with AI as its backbone.
  • 🛠️ It supports various AI models and can be customized with different models for auto-completion and chat interfaces.
  • 🆓 Cursor offers a free version and a two-week Pro trial for users who want additional features.
  • 🔗 It allows users to import extensions, themes, and key bindings from VS Code and also provides a privacy mode.
  • 📝 With Cursor, users can write code using natural language instructions and update entire classes or functions with simple prompts.
  • 🔍 The editor can predict the next edit and breeze through changes, enhancing the coding workflow.
  • 🔄 It's possible to install Continue Dev, an open-source extension, on Cursor for additional customization.
  • 🔄 Cursor is not open-source, unlike Continue Dev, which may be a consideration for some developers.
  • 📚 The video also mentions a book titled 'Client Acquisition Code' that focuses on growing businesses with AI.

Q & A

  • What is Cursor, and how does it compare to GitHub Copilot?

    -Cursor is an AI-powered code editor designed to enhance productivity, similar to GitHub Copilot. It functions as an IDE with an AI backbone, providing features like auto-completion and a chat interface to assist with coding tasks.

  • What are some key features of Cursor mentioned in the video?

    -Cursor features include AI-driven code suggestions, auto-completion, a chat interface for interacting with your codebase, and the ability to use natural language commands to edit code. It also allows for importing extensions, themes, and key bindings from VS Code.

  • How does Cursor's AI backbone contribute to its functionality?

    -Cursor's AI backbone allows it to provide predictive coding suggestions, automate repetitive coding tasks, and respond to natural language prompts to edit or generate code, making coding faster and more intuitive.

  • What customization options are available in Cursor?

    -Cursor allows users to customize their experience by adding various AI models, importing settings from VS Code, and integrating with different APIs like OpenAI and Anthropic. Users can also adjust privacy settings and choose the models they prefer for auto-completion and chat features.

  • What is the significance of using different models in Cursor?

    -Different models in Cursor offer varying levels of capability for code generation and interaction. Users can select from a range of models, like GPT-4 or LLaMA, depending on their needs, which can improve the relevance and accuracy of the suggestions provided.

  • Why might someone choose to use Cursor over GitHub Copilot?

    -Someone might choose Cursor over GitHub Copilot because it offers similar AI-driven features while being free with the option to integrate various models. Additionally, Cursor allows for more customization and control over the coding environment.

  • Can Cursor be used alongside other tools like Continue Dev?

    -Yes, Cursor can be used alongside tools like Continue Dev. Users may choose to integrate both to leverage the strengths of each tool, such as Continue Dev's open-source flexibility and Cursor's AI-driven features.

  • What are some limitations of Cursor mentioned in the video?

    -One limitation of Cursor is that it is not open-source, unlike Continue Dev. Additionally, it currently has limited support for certain models like LLaMA, though there are workarounds discussed in the video.

  • What does the speaker suggest about Cursor's usability and future use?

    -The speaker suggests that Cursor is highly usable and plans to continue exploring its features. They highlight the potential of using it regularly and even integrating it with other tools like Continue Dev for a more robust coding experience.

  • How does the speaker recommend getting started with Cursor?

    -The speaker recommends installing Cursor, exploring its features by setting up models, and joining the Cursor Discord community for support. They also suggest reviewing the documentation and experimenting with the tool to see how it fits individual coding needs.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to Cursor: The AI Code Editor

Josh Pook introduces Cursor, a free alternative to GitHub Copilot, designed to enhance productivity through AI. He emphasizes Cursor's similarity to Visual Studio Code (VS Code) but with an AI backbone, allowing for features like predictive coding and natural language commands. Josh also mentions other tools like Continue Dev, which he likes for its open-source nature and customization options. Cursor offers a two-week Pro trial and is free to use, with additional features available for purchase. The video promises to explore Cursor's capabilities, such as understanding codebases, predictive editing, and natural language instructions for code modifications.

05:02

🔧 Setting Up and Exploring Cursor's Features

The script details the setup process for Cursor, highlighting its user interface that closely resembles VS Code. It explains how to import extensions, themes, and key bindings from VS Code and mentions the privacy mode that prevents user code from being stored. Josh demonstrates how to use Cursor's chat interface to communicate with the codebase and how to write code using natural language instructions. He also discusses the ability to change models and configure API keys for various AI services, including Open AI and Google. The paragraph concludes with Josh's ongoing exploration of integrating additional models and his intention to provide updates on this process.

10:03

🤖 Cursor's AI Backbone and Community Engagement

Josh discusses the strengths of Cursor, particularly its AI backbone, which could be beneficial in certain coding scenarios. He compares Cursor with Continue Dev, noting that while Cursor is not open source, it offers a more integrated AI experience. The script mentions the community's interest in models like Olama and the steps being taken to integrate them into Cursor. Josh also invites viewers to join the channel's community for daily updates on AI, coding, business, and marketing. He promotes his book, 'Client Acquisition Code,' which covers AI strategies for business growth, and encourages viewers to share their thoughts on different code editors and strategies in the comments section of the video.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cursor AI Code Editor

Cursor AI Code Editor is a software tool designed to assist developers by integrating artificial intelligence into the coding process. It is presented as an alternative to GitHub Copilot, offering similar functionalities without the associated costs. In the video, the host introduces Cursor as an IDE that is almost a replica of VS Code but with AI as its backbone, emphasizing its ability to make developers more productive.

💡GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code completion tool developed by GitHub. It is a paid service that provides intelligent code suggestions and autocompletion to developers. The video discusses Cursor as a free alternative to GitHub Copilot, highlighting the cost-saving aspect for developers who may not want to or cannot afford to subscribe to the latter.

💡AI Backbone

The term 'AI Backbone' refers to the core functionality of a system being powered by artificial intelligence. In the context of the video, Cursor's AI backbone means that its primary features and capabilities are driven by AI algorithms, which enable it to provide predictive coding suggestions, autocompletion, and other intelligent coding assistance.

💡IDE

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development. The video script mentions Cursor as being similar to an IDE, like VS Code, indicating that it offers a comprehensive set of tools for coding, including features powered by AI.

💡Autocompletion

Autocompletion is a feature in coding tools that suggests or automatically completes code for the user, based on the context and common coding patterns. The video discusses how Cursor, like other AI coding tools, offers autocompletion to enhance productivity and speed up the coding process.

💡Continue Dev

Continue Dev is an open-source extension for coding tools like VS Code and JetBrains, which provides AI-powered coding assistance. The video mentions Continue Dev as a tool that the host likes for its customization options and support for various AI models, comparing it with Cursor in terms of functionality.

💡Chat Interface

A chat interface in the context of AI coding tools refers to a feature that allows developers to interact with the AI through a conversational interface. The video describes how Cursor, similar to GitHub Copilot and Continue Dev, has a chat interface where developers can discuss their coding needs with the AI.

💡Predictive Model

A predictive model in AI is used to forecast outcomes based on patterns in data. In the video, the host explains how Cursor uses a predictive model to suggest the next edit a developer might make, streamlining the coding process by anticipating the developer's needs.

💡Natural Language

Natural language refers to the language that humans use for communication in daily life, as opposed to formal programming languages. The video mentions the ability to use natural language commands in Cursor, allowing developers to instruct the AI to perform specific coding tasks using everyday language.

💡Privacy Mode

Privacy mode is a feature that ensures user data, such as code, is not stored or shared without consent. The video script highlights Cursor's privacy mode, which guarantees that none of the developer's code is stored by the service, emphasizing user privacy and data security.

💡Open Source

Open source refers to software whose source code is available to the public, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute the software. The video contrasts Cursor, which is not open source, with Continue Dev, which is open source, discussing the benefits of open source in terms of customization and community involvement.

Highlights

Cursor AI Code Editor is a free alternative to GitHub Copilot that can enhance productivity.

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor that is similar to Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Cursor offers a two-week Pro free trial and various pricing plans for additional features.

The editor is built with AI as its backbone, providing intelligent coding assistance.

Cursor supports integration with various AI models, including GPT and Llama, for coding suggestions.

Users can import extensions, themes, and key bindings from VS Code to Cursor with ease.

Cursor includes a chat interface for interacting with the AI to get code suggestions and edits.

The editor offers predictive coding with the 'Tab' key to suggest the next edit based on context.

Cursor's 'Command K' feature allows users to write code using natural language instructions.

Privacy mode in Cursor ensures that no code is stored, and users can bring their own encryption keys.

Cursor is gaining popularity among developers for its AI capabilities and ease of use.

The video provides a tutorial on migrating from VS Code to Cursor and using its advanced features.

Cursor's settings allow for customization of AI models and integration with various APIs.

The video discusses the possibility of adding support for models like llama and GPT 40 mini manually.

Cursor's community on Discord and GitHub is active, providing support and discussing features.

The presenter compares Cursor with other tools like Continue Dev, highlighting the pros and cons.

Continue Dev is open-source and offers customization, unlike Cursor which is closed-source.

Cursor's limitation is the lack of certain AI models and its closed-source nature.

The video concludes with the presenter's intention to use both Cursor and Continue Dev to evaluate their strengths.