Getting Started with Cursor AI: An IDE That Codes with You 

Co-written by Brady Lamb, Sr Manager DevOps, and Florentina Bledea, Sr Technical Writer at Recast Software

Why IDEs Matter 

When I was first stitching together scripts, I learned the hard way that the tools you pick can make or break your momentum. An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) pulls editor, compiler, and debugger into one workspace, so every keystroke flows toward working code instead of window‑hopping. 

Cursor AI takes that promise and sharpens it with an onboard AI assistant. Built on the rock‑solid Visual Studio Code foundation, it feels instantly familiar, yet it handles the repetitive stuff—boilerplate, scaffolding, even cloud‑service setup—so you can stay focused on the big picture. 

Meet Cursor AI 

Cursor AI is a desktop IDE for Windows, macOS, and Linux that layers advanced AI on top of the familiar Visual Studio Code foundation. By forking the VS Code codebase, Cursor keeps the shortcuts and extensions many developers already know while adding AI assistance that speeds up routine tasks.  

Core Features That Save Time 

Boilerplate and Scaffolding 

Cursor can generate boilerplate code, scaffold projects, and spin up cloud service configs. You focus on architecture while the IDE handles the repetitive pieces. 

Test‑Driven Development 

Ask Cursor to write unit tests first, then the code. It iterates until the tests pass, updating tests as your code evolves—a serious boost for anyone practicing TDD. 

Smooth Onboarding 

New teammates can highlight unfamiliar code and prompt Cursor for plain‑language explanations, reducing ramp‑up time without digging through documentation. 

One‑Click Documentation 

Because Cursor tracks requirements, decisions, and chat history, it can compile README files, API docs, and even end‑user guides in Markdown or Wiki format—all aligned with the exact codebase in front of you. 

First‑Hand Lessons from Agent Mode 

Using Cursor’s ASK and Agent modes, you can draft a project plan, enforce best‑practice rules, and let the agent write code. It will set up environments, install dependencies, and build features—but only if your rules stay sharp. When context windows grow, the agent may “forget” earlier decisions, causing mismatched API names or broken flows. Regularly tighten the rules and restart chats to keep the agent on track. 

Choosing Models 

Cursor lets you pick models such as GPT‑4o, Claude 3, or Gemini. Auto‑select works for quick tasks, but side‑by‑side tests show each model has its quirks. Experiment to find the right fit for your stack. 

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Cursor AI 

• Start with a clear goal. Detailed prompts yield better results. 
• Refine rules often. Treat your prompt rules like linting rules—adjust them as your project grows. 
• Reset context. Long chats can lose focus. Spin up a fresh chat after each finished feature. 
• Review everything. AI accelerates writing, not thinking. Always read the code before you merge. 

Cursor’s output still needs human oversight. A quick review now prevents hours of debugging later. 

Final Thoughts 

Cursor AI brings AI‑driven coding into the editor itself. With clear prompts, thoughtful rules, and disciplined reviews, it can cut busywork and keep projects moving. Use the IDE’s strengths—scaffolding, tests, onboarding, and docs—while letting your own judgment guide the final code.