AI Coding Tool
Cursor
The AI-native VS Code fork for multi-file editing and autonomous coding
Last updated: April 15, 2026
Quick verdict
Cursor is best for developers who want an AI-first IDE without learning a new interface — it forks VS Code so extensions, keybindings, and themes work unchanged. The $20/mo Pro plan includes 500 fast premium requests (Claude Sonnet 4, GPT-4o, Gemini 2.0 Pro) and unlimited slow requests. Composer handles multi-file feature work; Background Agents run long tasks async. Hobby plan gets 2000 completions and 50 slow premium requests per month at no cost.
Model
Claude Sonnet 4 / GPT-4o / Gemini 2.0 Pro
From
$20/mo
Free tier
Yes
Setup
5 min
Best for
- + Developers who want a visual IDE with AI baked in
- + Multi-file feature work via Composer
- + Teams using the Business plan for admin controls and SSO
- + VS Code users who want to keep their extension ecosystem
- + Async task delegation through Background Agents
- + Developers switching models per-task via the model picker
Not for
- - Terminal-only workflows
- - Vim or Emacs purists who do not want a VS Code fork
- - Privacy-sensitive code outside the Business or Enterprise plan
- - JetBrains-exclusive projects requiring IntelliJ tooling
Key features
Composer multi-file edit
UniqueOpen Composer with Cmd+I and describe a feature spanning many files. Cursor plans the change, edits files in parallel, and shows a unified diff for review. The Agent mode variant also runs terminal commands and installs packages.
Background Agents
UniqueDelegate a task to an agent that runs in the cloud on a branch. You keep working locally while the agent writes code, runs tests, and pushes commits. Review the result as a PR when ready.
Notepads for persistent context
UniqueNotepads are reusable context blocks — product specs, API schemas, brand voice notes. Attach them to any chat or Composer session with @notepad-name so you do not paste the same context repeatedly.
.cursorrules configuration
A file at the repo root that injects project-specific rules into every AI request — preferred libraries, code style, banned patterns, architecture conventions. Shared across the team via the repo.
Model picker per session
Choose Claude Sonnet 4, GPT-4o, Gemini 2.0 Pro, or o1 for each chat or Composer session. Pro includes 500 fast premium requests/month across any model, with unlimited slow fallback.
VS Code extension compatibility
Cursor is a VS Code fork, so the full VS Code extension marketplace works — GitLens, Prettier, Docker, Remote-SSH, Python, Rust Analyzer, and thousands more install unchanged.
Limitations
Subscription required for full power
The Hobby free plan caps at 2000 completions and 50 slow premium requests per month. Real daily use hits that limit within a week — you need Pro at $20/mo for serious work.
Privacy opt-out requires attention
On the Pro plan, code snippets are used for telemetry unless you toggle Privacy Mode in settings. The Business plan enables Privacy Mode by default with zero data retention.
Performance degrades on very large repos
Codebases over 100k lines of code slow down the codebase indexing step, and Composer can miss relevant files without explicit @-file references. Explicitly attaching key files via @ is the workaround.
Desktop only — no browser or mobile
Cursor runs as a native app on macOS, Windows, and Linux. There is no browser version and no mobile IDE. Remote development works via the built-in Remote-SSH extension.
Tips
Use Composer for anything touching 2+ files
Composer (Cmd+I) plans and edits in parallel across many files. For single-file changes, inline chat (Cmd+K) is faster. Do not force multi-file tasks through inline chat — it loses context between edits.
Put banned patterns in .cursorrules, not every prompt
A .cursorrules file at the repo root injects rules into every request. Put tech-stack choices, banned libraries, code style, and architectural rules there once instead of repeating them in each chat.
Create Notepads for recurring context
API schemas, brand voice guides, product specs, design tokens — put each in a Notepad and attach with @notepad-name. Saves 500-1500 tokens of repeated pasting per session and keeps context consistent.
Use Background Agents for boring long tasks
Writing tests across a module, bumping dependencies, or migrating an API — delegate these to a Background Agent. It runs on a cloud branch while you work locally and hands you a PR when done.
Deep dives
Cursor Background Agents: Async Tasks in Cursor 2026
Run Cursor Background Agents in 2026: start async tasks in Composer, try parallel agents free, monitor progress, review diffs, and get big refactors done fast.
Cursor Composer Guide: Multi-File Agentic Editing in 2026
Try Cursor Composer in 2026: open with Cmd+I, run agent mode for free multi-file edits, add context, review diffs, and ship features from the editor fast.
Cursor Context: @ Commands and Codebase Indexing in 2026
Use Cursor @ commands in 2026: attach files, folders, docs, web search, and codebase context to Chat and Composer free, and get AI replies grounded in real code.
Cursor Rules: .cursorrules and Project AI Instructions 2026
Write .cursorrules and Project Rules in Cursor for 2026: keep AI aligned with your stack, try 8 free examples, and get code that matches your codebase style.
Cursor Custom Models: Add Any LLM via API Key in 2026
Add custom models in Cursor 2026: bring your own OpenAI or Anthropic key, try Azure, run Ollama locally for free, and pick the right model per AI feature fast.
Getting Started with Cursor: Install, Setup, First Use 2026
Install Cursor in 2026: download the VS Code fork for macOS, Windows, or Linux, import settings, pick a model, and run Tab, Cmd+K, and Composer for free.
Cursor Keyboard Shortcuts: macOS and Windows Reference 2026
Cursor keyboard shortcuts 2026: free macOS and Windows reference for Tab, Cmd+K, Composer, Chat, VS Code bindings, and 5 power patterns to try and copy today.
Cursor MCP Servers: Add External Tools and APIs in 2026
Configure Cursor MCP servers to connect Composer with GitHub, Postgres, Slack, and web search. Free setup steps for project and global mcp.json files.
Cursor Notepads: Save and Reuse Prompt Context in 2026
Use Cursor Notepads in 2026: save design tokens, API schemas, and review checklists as free reusable blocks you attach to Composer or Chat with @Notepad fast.
Cursor for Teams: Shared Rules and Billing Management 2026
Roll out Cursor to a team: Business plan setup, shared rules, MCP config, SSO, and seat billing. Free onboarding checklist and model policy recommendations.
Cursor Tips and Tricks: 15 Power-User Techniques for 2026
Fifteen Cursor tips to speed up daily coding work. Free guide to Composer checkpoints, @Terminal, Notepads, .cursorignore, keyboard chaining, and more.
Cursor vs Claude Code: IDE vs Terminal Agent Compared 2026
Compare Cursor and Claude Code on interface, models, pricing, and workflow fit. Free breakdown of when to pick each tool and how teams run both together.
Cursor vs GitHub Copilot: Full AI IDE Comparison in 2026
Compare Cursor and GitHub Copilot on pricing, agent mode, model access, and editor fit. Free side-by-side breakdown to help you try the right tool for work.
Cursor vs Windsurf: AI IDE Comparison and Pricing in 2026
Compare Cursor and Windsurf on autocomplete, agent mode, pricing, and model support. Free side-by-side guide to help teams pick the right AI IDE to try.
Cursor YOLO Mode: Auto-Run Terminal Commands in 2026
Enable Cursor YOLO mode to let Composer run terminal commands without approval. Free guide to the risks, safety rules, and how to recover from mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Cursor cost?
Cursor has three plans: Hobby (free, 2000 completions + 50 slow premium requests/month), Pro ($20/mo, 500 fast premium requests + unlimited slow), and Business ($40/mo/user, adds SSO, audit logs, zero data retention, and admin controls). Enterprise pricing is custom.
What is the difference between Composer and chat?
Chat (Cmd+L) answers questions and edits one file at a time. Composer (Cmd+I) plans and edits multiple files in parallel for feature-level changes. Composer's Agent mode also runs terminal commands, installs packages, and iterates against test output until the task is done.
How does .cursorrules work?
Create a file named .cursorrules at the root of your repo. Its contents are injected into every AI request in that project — Cursor treats it as a system prompt. Put tech-stack preferences, code style rules, banned patterns, and architecture conventions there.
Which AI models does Cursor support?
Cursor supports Claude Sonnet 4, Claude Opus 4, GPT-4o, Gemini 2.0 Pro, o1, and o1-mini as of April 2026. Pick per session with the model picker. Pro includes 500 fast premium requests/month across any model, with unlimited slow fallback after that.
How is Cursor different from GitHub Copilot?
Copilot focuses on inline completions and chat inside VS Code/JetBrains. Cursor is a full VS Code fork built around multi-file editing (Composer), Background Agents, and .cursorrules. Cursor's Composer is more capable for feature work; Copilot has wider IDE support and tighter GitHub integration.
What are Background Agents?
Background Agents are cloud-hosted Cursor sessions that run on a branch while you work locally. You describe a task, the agent writes code, runs tests, and commits — then you review the result as a PR. Useful for async tasks like test-writing, dependency bumps, and migrations.