Cursor - an AI-powered VSCode fork

Jeffrey Codes
8 Oct 202312:12

TLDRCursor, an AI-powered VSCode fork, has revolutionized coding workflows by seamlessly integrating with existing VSCode setups. It offers a one-click migration, allowing use of Co-pilot alongside built-in AI for enhanced coding efficiency. While it requires a subscription for full capabilities, it promises significant time and cost-saving through efficient error fixing and code rewriting, reducing reliance on Stack Overflow and Google. Cursor's inline editing and full codebase interaction are standout features, although it shares some limitations with GPT 4. The video provides a detailed demonstration of Cursor's capabilities and its impact on coding practices.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Cursor is an AI-powered fork of VSCode that enhances coding workflow and speed.
  • 🔄 It offers a one-click migration for VSCode users and integrates with Co-pilot and built-in AI.
  • 💰 There is a cost associated with using the full power of Cursor, but there are ways to save on expenses.
  • 🛠️ Cursor makes it easy to rewrite code with a simple command and context loading.
  • ✅ It improves upon Chat GPT by providing faster context switching without the need to copy and paste.
  • 🔍 Cursor can identify and suggest fixes for code errors, providing explanations and corrected code snippets.
  • 🛑 It replaces traditional methods like Stack Overflow and Google for bug fixing by offering immediate AI-driven solutions.
  • 📚 Adding documentation to Cursor helps it understand and use newer technologies not in its base model's training data.
  • 🔄 Despite weaknesses similar to GPT 4, such as misunderstanding certain technologies, Cursor can learn and adapt.
  • 📝 Cursor allows in-line code editing with command shortcuts, streamlining tedious tasks.
  • 🔧 Features like codebase scanning and AI linting are available, though some may require further exploration to maximize their utility.

Q & A

  • What is the name of the AI-powered editor mentioned in the transcript?

    -The AI-powered editor mentioned in the transcript is called 'Cursor'.

  • Is Cursor a completely new editor or a fork of an existing one?

    -Cursor is not a completely new editor; it is a fork of Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

  • What is the advantage of using Cursor over VS Code and Chat GPT for coding?

    -Cursor has the ability to integrate with VS Code's existing features and also includes built-in AI capabilities, which makes the coding workflow faster and more efficient than using VS Code and Chat GPT separately.

  • Does migrating to Cursor from VS Code require learning new tools or commands?

    -No, migrating to Cursor from VS Code does not require learning new tools or commands as it is a one-click migration and maintains VS Code's interface and functionality.

  • What is the pricing model for using the full capabilities of Cursor?

    -To get the best power of Cursor, there is a need to pay for its services. Users can either pay directly or use an Open AI key.

  • How does Cursor handle the integration of AI into the coding process?

    -Cursor integrates AI by allowing users to chat with the AI through a chat interface, which loads the context of the code and provides suggestions and fixes directly within the editor.

  • What is the impact of Cursor on the use of Stack Overflow and Google for fixing bugs?

    -Cursor has largely replaced the need for Stack Overflow and Google for fixing bugs, as it can provide explanations and code fixes directly within the editor.

  • What is the 'command K' feature in Cursor and how is it used?

    -The 'command K' feature in Cursor allows for inline editing of code. Users can select a block of code and provide instructions for modifications, which the AI then executes.

  • How does Cursor handle large code bases in terms of efficiency and cost?

    -Cursor can handle large code bases by chatting with the entire code base, but it's important to note that there are token limits, which can affect the cost and efficiency for very large projects.

  • What are some of the weaknesses of Cursor when compared to Chat GPT?

    -Some of the weaknesses of Cursor include its reliance on GPT 4 as a base model, which can sometimes lead to incorrect suggestions or misunderstandings of newer coding practices or libraries introduced after GPT 4's knowledge cutoff date.

  • What additional features does Cursor offer for code editing and debugging?

    -Cursor offers features like inline code editing with 'command K', chatting with the entire code base for broader context, auto-debugging from terminal output, and AI linting, although the latter's functionality is not fully explained in the transcript.

Outlines

00:00

😲 Introduction to a New Coding Editor

The speaker introduces a new editor cursor that has replaced VS Code and Chat GPT in their coding workflow, making it faster and more efficient. They emphasize the ease of transition for existing VS Code users, highlighting a one-click migration feature and the integration of Co-pilot and built-in AI. The editor's pricing model is discussed, suggesting the use of an open API key for cost-effectiveness. The video then demonstrates the editor's quick context loading and rewriting capabilities, showcasing its superiority over basic GPT by providing faster and more integrated assistance. The speaker also notes the editor's impact on reducing reliance on Stack Overflow and Google for bug fixes.

05:00

🛠 Overcoming Weaknesses with the New Editor

The speaker explores the weaknesses of Chat GPT and how the new editor addresses them. They attempt to rewrite a file using preact signals, encountering initial issues due to the AI's misunderstanding of the request. However, by adding documentation and specifying the need for preact signals, the AI eventually provides correct and useful code conversion, including installation instructions. The speaker acknowledges the AI's limitations when dealing with newer technologies not present in the GPT 4 model, referencing a forum discussion about the challenges of training the AI on different versions of frameworks. Despite these limitations, the speaker is impressed with the AI's ability to learn and adapt, highlighting its potential for improvement.

10:03

🔧 Advanced Features and Personal Experiences with the Editor

The speaker discusses advanced features of the editor, such as inline code editing with command K, which simplifies the process of making repetitive changes across multiple lines of code. They also mention the AI's ability to scan and interact with an entire codebase, making it increasingly useful as the codebase grows. The speaker touches on the AI's auto-debugging capabilities and AI linting, although they admit to not having fully explored these features. They conclude by recommending the editor, noting that while it has replaced VS Code and Google for coding tasks, it has not replaced the need for critical thinking. The speaker invites viewers to share their experiences with the editor and its features.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cursor

Cursor refers to an AI-powered fork of Visual Studio Code (VSCode), which is a popular source code editor. In the context of the video, it is described as a tool that has replaced both VSCode and Chat GPT for coding tasks, making workflows faster and more efficient. The script mentions features like one-click migration for VSCode users and integration with AI capabilities.

💡VSCode

VSCode stands for Visual Studio Code, an open-source code editor developed by Microsoft. It is widely used by programmers for its rich ecosystem of extensions and support for various programming languages. The video discusses how Cursor is a fork of VSCode, implying that it retains the core functionalities of VSCode while adding AI enhancements.

💡Co-Pilot

Co-Pilot, in the script, is mentioned as a feature that can be used alongside the built-in AI of Cursor. It suggests a collaborative aspect where the AI assists in coding tasks, potentially referring to GitHub Copilot, which is an AI pair programmer that autocompletes code and suggests fixes.

💡Pricing

The term 'pricing' is discussed in relation to the power and capabilities of Cursor. The script indicates that there is a cost associated with using the full potential of Cursor's AI, suggesting a tiered system where payment unlocks more advanced features compared to the free, less capable version.

💡GPT 3.5

GPT 3.5 refers to the third generation of OpenAI's Generative Pre-trained Transformer, a machine learning model for natural language processing. The script contrasts GPT 3.5 with the enhanced capabilities of Cursor's AI, implying that Cursor uses a more advanced model for better performance in coding assistance.

💡Stack Overflow

Stack Overflow is a well-known online community for programmers to learn, share their knowledge, and solve coding problems. The video mentions that Cursor has largely replaced the need for Stack Overflow and Google for fixing bugs, highlighting the AI's capability to provide solutions directly within the editor.

💡TypeScript

TypeScript is a statically typed superset of JavaScript that adds optional types to the language. The script uses TypeScript as an example to demonstrate how Cursor's AI can recognize and suggest fixes for type-related errors in the code, showcasing its understanding of programming languages and their nuances.

💡Preact

Preact is a lightweight alternative to the React JavaScript library, with a smaller size and faster initial load time. The video script discusses a scenario where Cursor's AI is asked to rewrite code using Preact signals, indicating the AI's ability to adapt to different libraries and frameworks.

💡AI Linting

AI Linting, as mentioned in the script, refers to a feature that uses AI to analyze and suggest improvements in the code, similar to traditional linting tools but with the added intelligence of AI. It is presented as a potential feature of Cursor, although the script notes that the exact workings of this feature are not fully explored.

💡Command K

Command K is a keyboard shortcut mentioned in the script for performing inline code editing with Cursor's AI. It is used as an example to show how the AI can assist in quickly making changes across multiple lines of code, streamlining the coding process.

💡Auto Debug

Auto Debug is a feature mentioned in the script that allows Cursor to analyze and attempt to fix errors directly within the terminal. This feature represents the integration of debugging assistance with the AI's capabilities, further automating the problem-solving process for developers.

Highlights

Cursor is an AI-powered fork of VSCode that enhances coding workflow.

No need to relearn as Cursor is a simple one-click migration for VSCode users.

Cursor integrates with Co-Pilot and built-in AI for an improved coding experience.

Pricing is required for full power; otherwise, it defaults to GPT 3.5.

Cursor offers cost-saving tips for its $20/month subscription.

The editor allows for quick AI interaction with command and L.

Cursor's AI can rewrite code and load context faster than Chat GPT.

Cursor reduces the need for switching contexts when rewriting code.

Cursor has largely replaced Stack Overflow and Google for fixing bugs.

Cursor provides explanations and code fixes for errors.

Cursor's AI can understand and fix issues within the entire file context.

Cursor's efficiency can be costly with large code bases due to token limits.

Cursor can inline edit code with command K for simple tasks.

Cursor's AI can chat with the entire codebase for more complex tasks.

Cursor's AI has limitations due to its base on GPT 4.

Cursor provides installation instructions and links to documentation.

Cursor includes features like Auto-debug and AI linting, though their utility is still being explored.

Cursor is recommended for its ability to replace VSCode and Google, but not for replacing thinking.