What Is Cursor? How to Use the AI Code Editor & Pricing [2026 Edition]

What you'll learn in this article

• The basics of Cursor, an AI-powered code editor
• Key features and how to use Cursor
• Pricing plans and Japanese language support
• Pros, cons, and who it's best suited for

What Is Cursor?

Cursor is a code editor (software for writing programs) with built-in AI. It is built on top of VS Code, a popular editor.

What sets it apart from ordinary editors is that AI helps you write code. For example, simply pressing the Tab key brings up a suggestion for what to write next.

As of April 2026, the latest version, Cursor 3.0, has been released. It adds the ability to run multiple AI agents (AIs that work autonomously) simultaneously.

It is designed to be accessible not only to developers, but also to beginners who are just starting to learn programming.

What You Can Do with Cursor

Cursor offers many features that make programming more efficient. Here are five of its main capabilities.

1. Auto-generate code with Tab completion

A feature called Cursor Tab automatically writes the continuation of your code.

The AI understands the flow of your code and predicts what you need to write next.

Just press the Tab key to accept a suggestion.

2. Ask questions about code via chat

You can chat with the AI right inside the editor.

Ask something like "What does this code do?" in Japanese, and it will give you a clear explanation.

Open it with Ctrl+L on Windows or Command+L on Mac.

3. Edit multiple files with Composer

Using the Composer feature, the AI can edit across multiple files at once. Tell it "Add a login feature," and it will automatically create and edit the necessary files.

4. Work autonomously with Agent mode

In Agent mode, the AI thinks for itself and moves the work forward.

It can automatically run tests and suggest fixes.

A February 2026 update made it possible to run Agent mode in the cloud as well.

5. Get command suggestions with Terminal AI

Even inside the terminal (the screen where you enter commands), the AI suggests appropriate commands. It makes hard-to-remember commands — like those for Git (a version control tool) — easy to use.

How to Use Cursor

Here are five basic steps for first-time Cursor users.

Step 1: Download from the official website

Visit cursor.com to download it for free. It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Step 2: Set up Japanese

You can select "Japanese" as your language during the initial setup. Alternatively, install the "Japanese Language Pack" from the extensions to switch the display to Japanese.

Step 3: Try generating code

Press Ctrl+K on Windows or Command+K on Mac to open the prompt input field. Type an instruction in Japanese — such as "Write Hello World in Python" — and the AI will generate the code for you.

Step 4: Use the chat feature

Open the chat panel with Ctrl+L on Windows or Command+L on Mac. Ask something like "What's causing this error?" and it will read your code and respond.

Step 5: Migrate from VS Code (optional)

If you're already using VS Code, you can carry over your settings and extensions as-is. The experience feels nearly identical, so there's very little learning curve.

Pros and Cons of Cursor

Before you start using it, it's worth understanding the upsides and things to watch out for.

Pros

• Significantly speeds up how fast you can write code
• You can ask questions and give instructions in Japanese, so it works even if your English isn't strong
• Basic features are available on the free plan (Hobby)
• Migration from VS Code is smooth, so you can get started right away
• A 2026 update enables multiple AI agents to run in parallel

Cons

• Advanced features require a paid plan (from $20/month)
• AI-generated code isn't always 100% correct (review is necessary)
• An internet connection is required (some features don't work offline)
• Because it uses a credit system, heavy usage may incur additional charges
• Beginners may rely too heavily on AI and struggle to build foundational skills

Who Cursor Is Best For

Cursor is especially recommended for the following types of people:

• Developers who want to work more efficiently
• Beginners who are just starting to learn coding
• People who want to write code while interacting with AI in Japanese
• Those already comfortable with VS Code who want to add AI capabilities
• Anyone who wants to automate editing across multiple files
• People who want to try an AI code editor for free

On the other hand, it may not be the best fit for those who frequently work offline, or those who want to build their skills by writing code entirely on their own without relying on AI.

Summary

Cursor is a next-generation code editor with built-in AI.

• It offers a rich set of features including Tab completion, chat, Composer, and Agent
• It supports Japanese and is easy to use even for beginners
• You can start on a free plan; paid plans begin at $20/month
• Migration from VS Code is smooth, with settings transferring seamlessly
• The 2026 version supports running multiple AI agents in parallel

If you want to code more efficiently or learn with the help of AI, give Cursor a try. The free plan already offers plenty of functionality, so go ahead and download it with no pressure.

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This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.