Using Cursor - the AI powered VS Code alt for the first time…

Huw Prosser
9 Aug 202307:20

TLDRIn this video, the host explores Cursor, a next-generation code editor powered by AI, specifically gpt4 and GPT 3.5. It's a modified version of VS Code that integrates AI into coding. The host discusses the setup process, including syncing extensions and themes, and setting up GitHub Copilot and codebase understanding with OpenAI embeddings. They demonstrate how to use AI to refactor code with a simple command and ask questions about the codebase, highlighting Cursor's user-friendly interface and its potential to revolutionize coding practices.

Takeaways

  • 🌟 The video introduces a new AI-powered IDE called Cursor, a fork of VS Code with integrated AI features.
  • 🔌 Cursor is powered by GPT 4 and GPT 3.5, offering advanced code editing and understanding capabilities.
  • 💡 The first interaction with Cursor includes launching it from the command line and importing extensions from VS Code.
  • 🛠️ Cursor uses OpenAI embeddings to process and understand the entire codebase, allowing for complex queries about the code.
  • 🔒 For security, users are required to log in to use the AI features of Cursor.
  • 🔑 The user can set up their own OpenAI key to customize the AI capabilities within Cursor.
  • 📝 Cursor integrates with GitHub Copilot, allowing for a seamless development experience with AI assistance.
  • 🗂️ The user can import settings from VS Code, making the transition to Cursor smooth and familiar.
  • 📱 Cursor includes a chat panel for AI interactions, with hotkeys for quick access to AI prompts and code actions.
  • 🛑 The video demonstrates how to use Cursor to refactor code with a simple command, showcasing the AI's ability to understand and rewrite code.
  • 🔍 Cursor allows users to ask questions about the codebase, with the AI providing answers and even inline code snippets.
  • 🔄 The AI in Cursor is capable of making significant changes to the code, such as cleaning up and refactoring entire files.
  • 🎉 The video concludes with the user expressing excitement about Cursor's capabilities and the potential impact on future coding practices.

Q & A

  • What is the name of the AI-powered code editor discussed in the video?

    -The AI-powered code editor discussed in the video is called Cursor.

  • What is unique about Cursor compared to other code editors?

    -Cursor is unique because it is a fork of Visual Studio Code that has been modified to integrate AI into all aspects of coding, powered by GPT-4 and GPT 3.5.

  • How does the AI in Cursor handle the entire codebase?

    -The AI in Cursor processes the entire codebase by turning it into chunks and then embedding it. This means converting the code into numerical representations to better understand and relate different parts of the code.

  • What is the purpose of using embeddings in Cursor's AI features?

    -The purpose of using embeddings is to convert the code into numerical representations that allow the AI to understand the code better and how different parts of the code relate to one another.

  • How does the user interface of Cursor differ from Visual Studio Code?

    -The user interface of Cursor is very similar to Visual Studio Code, with the main difference being that Cursor has an additional sidebar at the top and integrated AI features for code manipulation and understanding.

  • What command is used to open the chat panel in Cursor?

    -The command used to open the chat panel in Cursor is 'Command L'.

  • How can users prompt the AI to make changes to their code in Cursor?

    -Users can prompt the AI to make changes to their code in Cursor by selecting the code with their mouse and then hitting 'Command K'.

  • What is the process for the AI to refactor a file in Cursor?

    -The process involves selecting the file and using the 'Command K' prompt to ask the AI to refactor the file. The AI then rewrites the codebase, and the user can choose to accept or reject the changes.

  • How does Cursor assist with finding specific information in the code?

    -Cursor assists by allowing users to ask the AI specific questions about the code, such as finding the Google Analytics ID, and providing inline code snippets as answers.

  • What are the user's final thoughts on Cursor after the first reaction video?

    -The user's final thoughts are that Cursor is excellent and exciting, and they are looking forward to exploring more of its features. They also contemplate the future impact of such AI tools on the role of developers.

Outlines

00:00

😲 First Impressions with AI-Powered Code Editor Cursor

The script introduces a new AI-integrated code editor called Cursor, a fork of Visual Studio Code, powered by GPT 4 and GPT 3.5. The user shares their initial experience with Cursor, highlighting its familiar feel and the ease of importing settings from VS Code. They discuss the AI features, such as code base understanding, which involves embedding the entire repository into a numerical representation to enhance understanding and querying capabilities. The user also mentions the requirement to log in to use AI features and sets up their OpenAI key. They explore the chat panel for AI prompts, the hotkeys for chat and code interaction, and the integration of GitHub Copilot. The user expresses excitement about Cursor's potential to transform coding practices.

05:00

🛠️ Refactoring and Code Interaction with Cursor's AI

In this segment, the user demonstrates Cursor's advanced AI capabilities by refactoring a file using a simple command prompt. They show how the AI can remove unnecessary code, add new elements, and reorganize the existing code, all while providing a visual representation of changes. The user also inquires about the location of their Google Analytics ID within the app, and the AI provides an inline code snippet as a response. The user speculates on the potential impact of such AI tools on the future of coding, suggesting developers may transition into more managerial roles. The video concludes with the user's enthusiasm for Cursor and anticipation for further exploration of its features.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cursor

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor, which is a modified version of Visual Studio Code (VS Code). It integrates AI functionalities into coding practices, enhancing the development experience. In the script, Cursor is introduced as a 'Next Generation code editor' that utilizes AI models like GPT-4 and GPT 3.5 to assist in various coding tasks, such as code refactoring and understanding the codebase.

💡IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

An Integrated Development Environment, or IDE, is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities to computer programmers for software development. The video script mentions Cursor as a new IDE, emphasizing its advanced features powered by AI, which differentiates it from traditional code editors.

💡GPT-4 and GPT 3.5

GPT-4 and GPT 3.5 refer to iterations of the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) AI models developed by OpenAI. These models are known for their ability to generate human-like text based on the input they receive. In the context of the video, Cursor uses these models to provide intelligent coding assistance, such as answering questions about the code repository.

💡Code Embeddings

Code embeddings are a technique used in AI to represent code as numerical vectors, allowing the AI to understand and process code more effectively. The script explains that Cursor uses openAI embeddings to convert the entire codebase into embeddings, which helps in understanding the code and its components, facilitating features like showing functions or variables with specific characteristics.

💡GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is an AI pair programmer developed by GitHub and OpenAI, which autocompletes code and suggests whole lines or blocks of code. In the script, the user mentions needing to set up GitHub Copilot within Cursor, indicating that it is integrated into the AI-powered editor for enhanced coding assistance.

💡Code Refactoring

Code refactoring is the process of restructuring existing computer code without changing its external behavior to improve nonfunctional attributes of the software. In the video, the user demonstrates how Cursor's AI can refactor a file by cleaning up the code, which includes removing unnecessary imports and reorganizing the code into more efficient structures.

💡AI Features

AI features in the context of Cursor refer to the intelligent capabilities provided by the editor, such as understanding and modifying code, answering questions about the codebase, and suggesting improvements. The script mentions that to use these AI features, the user must log in, and it highlights the integration of AI models like GPT-4 for these functionalities.

💡OpenAI Key

An OpenAI key is a credential used to access and use the services provided by OpenAI, such as their AI models. In the script, the user sets up their own OpenAI key to utilize the AI capabilities within Cursor, indicating that the editor relies on OpenAI's technology for its advanced features.

💡Command Line

A command line is a text-based interface for interacting with a computer system. In the video script, the user mentions launching Cursor from the command line, which is a common method for starting applications in many operating systems, showing the versatility of Cursor in different user environments.

💡Code Snippets

Code snippets are small, reusable pieces of code that can be quickly inserted into a program. In the script, when the user asks Cursor to find the Google Analytics ID, the AI provides an inline code snippet, demonstrating the editor's ability to generate and suggest specific code segments to assist the user.

Highlights

Introduction to Cursor, a Next Generation code editor powered by AI.

Cursor is a fork of Visual Studio Code with integrated AI capabilities.

Installation and initial setup of Cursor, including extensions and theme synchronization.

Integration of Git Lens and Spotify within the Cursor environment.

Setting up GitHub Copilot and code base understanding with OpenAI embeddings.

Explanation of how OpenAI embeddings process and understand the entire codebase.

Login requirement for using AI features to avoid backend abuse.

Importing settings from VS Code to Cursor and the seamless transition.

Use of command L to open the chat panel for AI interaction.

Demonstration of using command K to prompt AI for code changes.

Selection of AI models for different coding tasks, with a preference for GPT-4.

Cursor's familiar interface resembling Visual Studio Code.

Inclusion of a sidebar at the top of the Cursor interface.

Attaching and organizing items within the Cursor environment.

Opening and interacting with a public GitHub repository in Cursor.

Use of the terminal in Cursor, mirroring the experience in VS Code.

AI's ability to refactor code with a command, showcasing its capabilities.

Rejection of an initial refactoring attempt due to incomplete function creation.

AI's comprehensive refactoring of a file upon request.

Acceptance of AI-generated code changes with a simple command.

AI's assistance in locating specific code elements, such as Google Analytics ID.

Cursor's potential impact on the future of coding and developers' roles.

Final thoughts on Cursor's capabilities and excitement for future developments.