Introduction
VS Code has been the go-to code editor for years, loved for its speed, extensibility, and vast ecosystem. But with the rise of AI-powered tools, a new contender has entered the space: Cursor.
Cursor is an AI-native code editor built on top of VS Code, but with deep AI integration that transforms how developers write, debug, and refactor code. So, should you switch? Let’s break it down.
1. AI-Powered Coding Assistance
Cursor is built for AI-first coding, while VS Code requires extensions like GitHub Copilot. Cursor’s AI is deeply integrated, offering:
✅ Smarter autocomplete — More relevant suggestions than Copilot.
✅ Inline chat — Ask AI about code without leaving the editor.
✅ AI-powered debugging — Explain errors and suggest fixes.
With Cursor, AI isn’t just an add-on — it’s part of the core experience.
2. Built-In Code Refactoring
Refactoring in VS Code requires third-party extensions. Cursor, on the other hand, allows you to:
🔹 Rewrite functions with AI-generated suggestions.
🔹 Optimize code with a single prompt.
🔹 Auto-generate comments and documentation.
If you want to improve your code quality effortlessly, Cursor is a game-changer.
3. Faster and More Efficient Development
Cursor streamlines workflows with features like:
🚀 AI-assisted navigation — Quickly find and understand code.
📝 Inline AI explanations — No need to Google error messages.
💡 Automatic code improvements — AI suggests optimizations as you work.
This makes Cursor feel like having an intelligent coding partner inside your IDE.
4. VS Code Compatibility
The best part? Cursor is built on VS Code. That means:
✔️ Same familiar UI and keybindings.
✔️ Full support for VS Code extensions.
✔️ No learning curve — just smarter features.
If you already use VS Code, switching to Cursor is seamless.
Conclusion: Should You Switch?
If you’re a developer looking for AI-enhanced coding, faster workflows, and smarter refactoring, Cursor is a no-brainer. It keeps everything you love about VS Code but supercharges it with AI.
💡 TL;DR: Cursor is VS Code, but smarter.
Have you tried Cursor? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!