Scalable Human Blog

⚡️ After using VS Code for years, I switched to Cursor AI—a new AI-powered code editor that retains VS Code’s familiar UI while integrating AI-driven coding assistance. It has significantly improved my workflow by automating tedious tasks, but it’s not without its flaws. Here’s my honest take on its strengths, limitations, and why I ultimately uninstalled VS Code.

🎯 Why I Switched from VS Code to Cursor AI

For years, VS Code was my go-to editor. It was fast, customizable, and packed with extensions that made coding efficient. But after six months of working exclusively with Cursor AI, I’ve fully transitioned and even uninstalled VS Code.

Cursor AI is gaining attention as an AI-powered code editor that looks and functions almost exactly like VS Code but with deep AI integration. It offers real-time code assistance, project automation, and inline AI modifications—all within the editor. My experience with it has been transformative, but it’s not perfect. Here’s what I’ve learned.

🤔 What Makes Cursor AI Stand Out?

1. Seamless Transition from VS Code

One of the biggest reasons I gave Cursor AI a shot was its familiar interface. When you install it, you can import all your VS Code settings, themes, and extensions. The UI is nearly identical, so there’s no learning curve. If you’re comfortable in VS Code, you’ll feel right at home.

2. Built-in AI Chat That Understands Your Codebase

Unlike standalone AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Cursor AI integrates an AI chat window directly into the editor. You can toggle it with Command + L (Mac) and ask it questions about your code. What sets it apart is its deep understanding of your project structure. Instead of manually copying and pasting AI-generated responses, you can apply changes directly to your files with a review window—similar to a GitHub pull request.

3. AI-Powered Code Generation and Modifications

Cursor AI can generate and modify code based on context. You can attach files to the chat, allowing the AI to analyze your project and make smart modifications. For example, if I select app.js and ask it to add a form for an email input, it inserts the necessary code in the correct place—no manual copy-pasting required.

For larger projects, Command + I opens the Composer, which generates multiple files at once. This is a game-changer when setting up frameworks like React + Django, where Cursor AI can handle the entire file structure automatically.

4. Inline AI-Assisted Editing

Instead of switching to a chat window, you can modify code inline. Highlight a section, press Shift + Command + L, and give instructions. Alternatively, Command + K lets you issue direct commands within the editor. This makes refactoring and debugging much faster.

5. API Documentation Integration

If you provide Cursor AI with API documentation links or files, it can read and understand them, making it easier to generate accurate API calls. This eliminates a lot of back-and-forth between the browser and the editor.

🚧 The Downsides of Cursor AI

As much as I love Cursor AI, it’s not perfect. Here are some of the challenges I’ve encountered:

1. Performance Issues with Large Files

Cursor AI can lag when dealing with larger files, whereas VS Code remains smooth. I expect this to improve with future updates, but for now, it’s something to consider.

2. Occasional Incorrect Code Changes

While AI-assisted coding is powerful, it’s not always accurate. Sometimes, Cursor AI places code in the wrong file or modifies parts of the code that should remain unchanged. For instance, I’ve noticed it occasionally removes console logs that I intentionally left for debugging.

3. Copy-Pasting Issues in the Chat Window

There are times when Cursor AI doesn’t correctly recognize or process pasted code, which can be frustrating when trying to debug or refactor.

4. Risk of Over-Reliance on AI for Beginners

Cursor AI is fantastic for experienced developers who understand code structure and debugging. However, beginners might rely too heavily on AI-generated solutions without fully grasping the logic behind them. AI should enhance productivity, not replace fundamental learning.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Cursor AI retains the best parts of VS Code while adding AI-driven enhancements, making the transition seamless.
• Built-in AI chat deeply integrates with your codebase, allowing direct modifications without manual copy-pasting.
• Inline AI-assisted editing and project automation significantly speed up development workflows.
• Performance issues and occasional incorrect code changes are drawbacks that need improvement.
• AI-assisted coding is powerful but should be used wisely, especially for beginners who still need to develop core programming skills.

🎉 Final Thoughts: Is Cursor AI Worth It?

After six months of daily use, Cursor AI has undeniably improved my workflow. It automates tedious coding tasks, speeds up project setup, and makes refactoring effortless. While it has some performance issues and occasional inconsistencies, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for experienced developers.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—if you’re comfortable with coding and looking for ways to optimize your workflow. If you’re a beginner, I’d suggest learning the fundamentals first before relying too heavily on AI.

What do you think? Would you switch from VS Code to Cursor AI? Let me know your thoughts! 🚀

📚 Further Reading & Related Topics

If you’re exploring why a developer chose Cursor AI over VS Code, these related articles will provide deeper insights:

• Mastering IntelliJ: Why It’s the IDE of Choice for Java Developers – Learn why IntelliJ remains a strong contender for Java development and how it compares with other IDEs like VS Code and Cursor AI in terms of performance and usability.

• Exploring VS Code Extensions: Enhancing Java Development in a Lightweight IDE – Discover how Visual Studio Code can be enhanced with extensions to support Java development, and weigh the benefits of choosing between VS Code and Cursor AI for coding productivity.