How to Use Cursor: AI-First Code Editor Guide

Cursor is redefining how developers write code by deeply integrating AI into every aspect of the editor. ## Getting Started ### Installation Download Cursor from [cursor.sh](https://cursor.sh). It's available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. ### Import VS Code Settings On first launch, Cursor will ask if you want to import extensions, themes, and settings from VS Code. This makes switching seamless. ## Core Features ### AI Chat (Ctrl+K) Press Ctrl+K anywhere to open the AI chat. You can ask questions about your code, request changes, or get explanations. ### Tab Completion Cursor suggests code as you type, just like GitHub Copilot. It learns from your codebase for better suggestions. ### Multi-File Editing Describe a feature in natural language, and Cursor can make changes across multiple files simultaneously. ### Agent Mode Cursor's agent can autonomously plan and execute complex tasks, from refactoring to building new features. ### Codebase Search Ask questions about your entire codebase: "Where is the authentication logic?" or "How does the payment flow work?" ## Keyboard Shortcuts | Shortcut | Action | |----------|--------| | Ctrl+K | AI command | | Ctrl+L | Open chat | | Ctrl+Shift+K | Edit selected code | | Ctrl+I | Inline suggestion | ## Best Practices 1. **Be specific in prompts**: Instead of "fix this", say "add error handling for network timeouts" 2. **Use context**: Highlight relevant code before asking questions 3. **Review AI changes**: Always review AI-generated code before committing 4. **Build incrementally**: Start with small changes and build up to complex refactors ## Pricing Cursor has a generous free tier. Pro plan at $20/month includes unlimited AI usage and priority support.