What Is Cursor? A Beginner's Guide to the AI-Powered Code Editor — Features and How to Use It [2026 Edition] | AI Friends (@aifriends)

What You'll Learn in This Article

The basic features and mechanics of Cursor
Key things you can do with Cursor (code generation, completion, chat, and more)
Concrete usage instructions that even beginners can follow
The pros and cons of Cursor
Who Cursor is right for — and who it isn't

What Is Cursor?

Cursor is an AI-powered editor (software for writing text) designed for programming. It is developed by the American company Anysphere and continues to evolve as of April 2026.

Because it is built on the popular editor Visual Studio Code (VS Code), all of VS Code's convenient features are available as-is. On top of that, it comes with built-in AI capabilities that can write code for you and fix errors.

What sets it apart from other AI coding tools (such as GitHub Copilot) is that the editor itself is designed from the ground up for AI. The screen layout and controls are carefully crafted to make interacting with AI as smooth as possible.

In 2026, a new version called "Cursor 3" was released, featuring significantly enhanced agent functionality (a feature that allows AI to work autonomously).

What You Can Do with Cursor (Key Features)

Cursor offers a wide range of useful features to assist with programming. Here are five representative ones.

1. Code Generation

Simply give instructions in plain language — such as "Create a login screen" or "Write code to sort data" — and Cursor will automatically generate the code. Press Ctrl+K on Windows or Command+K on Mac to bring up the input field.

2. Code Completion

While you are writing code, Cursor will display suggestions for what comes next in a faded style.

Just press the Tab key and the suggested code is entered automatically.

This drastically reduces typing and speeds up your workflow.

3. AI Chat

Just like ChatGPT, you can have a conversation with the AI while programming. It will answer questions such as "How do I fix this error?" or "How can I make this code faster?" while looking at your actual code.

4. Composer (Multi-File Editing)

The AI can handle large changes that span multiple files all at once.

For example, if you instruct it to "Add a login feature," it will automatically edit all the necessary files for you.

This is especially useful for large-scale projects.

5. Agent Feature (Autonomous Work)

Introduced as a new feature in 2026, the "agent" capability allows the AI to think for itself and move work forward independently. It is now even possible to have the AI work while you sleep and then show you a demo of the completed feature the next morning.

How to Use Cursor (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

Here is a basic guide for first-time Cursor users, broken down into five steps.

Step 1: Download and Install

Visit the official website (cursor.com) and download the free version.

It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.

Step 2: Create an Account and Configure Initial Settings

When you launch Cursor, an account registration screen will appear.

You can sign up with an email address or a Google account.

Even on the free plan, you get 2,000 code completions and 50 AI questions per month.

Step 3: Switch to Japanese (Optional)

From the menu, select View → Command Palette, then type "Configure Display Language."

Choose Japanese (ja) from the list to switch the interface to Japanese.

You can use Cursor in English, but switching to Japanese may be more comfortable if you are not used to English interfaces.

Step 4: Try Generating Some Code

Open a new file and press Ctrl+K (or Command+K on Mac).

Type what you want in plain language — for example, "Create a rock-paper-scissors game in Python" — and press Enter.

Within a few seconds, the AI will write the code for you.

Step 5: Try Asking Questions in Chat

Click the chat icon on the right side of the screen to start a conversation with the AI. Feel free to ask anything you don't understand, such as "What does this code mean?" or "I'm getting an error — how do I fix it?"

Pros and Cons of Cursor

Pros

Multiple AI models available: Switch between GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, and more depending on your needs.
VS Code extensions work as-is: You can migrate your existing VS Code setup without any hassle.
Powerful multi-file editing: Even on large projects, you can edit multiple files at once.
Generous free plan: 2,000 completions and 50 questions per month at no cost.
Autonomous work via agent feature: A 2026 addition that lets the AI make its own judgments and progress through tasks independently.

Cons

Higher price: The paid plan costs $20/month, which is more than GitHub Copilot at $10/month.
Standalone editor: Cannot be used within other editors (such as JetBrains IDEs).
Learning curve: It may take some time to get comfortable with AI-driven interactions.
Internet connection required: AI features are unavailable offline.
Japanese accuracy: Instructions given in Japanese may yield less accurate results compared to English.

Who Should Use Cursor

Cursor is especially recommended for the following types of people:

Programming beginners: Being able to ask the AI questions instantly makes learning smoother.
Developers working on large-scale projects: The Composer feature for editing multiple files at once is invaluable.
People who want to try multiple AI models: Freely switch between GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, and others.
VS Code users: Add AI capabilities while staying in the environment you already know.
Efficiency-focused individuals: Code completion and the agent feature can dramatically cut down on working time.

On the other hand, Cursor may not be the right fit for:

People who want to keep using editors other than VS Code (such as JetBrains IDEs)
People who want to write all their code themselves without relying on AI
People who find the $20/month price tag too high
People who frequently program in offline environments

Summary

Cursor is a VS Code-based code editor with built-in AI.
It supports code generation, completion, chat, multi-file editing, and agent functionality.
Even on the free plan, you get 2,000 completions and 50 questions per month.
The paid (Pro) plan is $20/month and gives you unlimited access to multiple AI models.
It is a recommended tool for a wide range of developers, from beginners to advanced users.
Cursor 3, released in 2026, brings major enhancements to the agent feature.

Even if you are just starting out with programming, the power of AI can help you grow at a surprisingly fast pace. Start with the free version and see whether it works for you.

This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.

What You'll Learn in This Article

The basic features and mechanics of Cursor
Key things you can do with Cursor (code generation, completion, chat, and more)
Concrete usage instructions that even beginners can follow
The pros and cons of Cursor
Who Cursor is right for — and who it isn't

What Is Cursor?

Cursor is an AI-powered editor (software for writing text) designed for programming. It is developed by the American company Anysphere and continues to evolve as of April 2026.

In 2026, a new version called "Cursor 3" was released, featuring significantly enhanced agent functionality (a feature that allows AI to work autonomously).

What You Can Do with Cursor (Key Features)

Cursor offers a wide range of useful features to assist with programming. Here are five representative ones.

1. Code Generation

2. Code Completion

While you are writing code, Cursor will display suggestions for what comes next in a faded style.

Just press the Tab key and the suggested code is entered automatically.

This drastically reduces typing and speeds up your workflow.

3. AI Chat

4. Composer (Multi-File Editing)

The AI can handle large changes that span multiple files all at once.

For example, if you instruct it to "Add a login feature," it will automatically edit all the necessary files for you.

This is especially useful for large-scale projects.

5. Agent Feature (Autonomous Work)

How to Use Cursor (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

Here is a basic guide for first-time Cursor users, broken down into five steps.

Step 1: Download and Install

Visit the official website (cursor.com) and download the free version.

It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.

Step 2: Create an Account and Configure Initial Settings

When you launch Cursor, an account registration screen will appear.

You can sign up with an email address or a Google account.

Even on the free plan, you get 2,000 code completions and 50 AI questions per month.

Step 3: Switch to Japanese (Optional)

From the menu, select View → Command Palette, then type "Configure Display Language."

Choose Japanese (ja) from the list to switch the interface to Japanese.

You can use Cursor in English, but switching to Japanese may be more comfortable if you are not used to English interfaces.

Step 4: Try Generating Some Code

Open a new file and press Ctrl+K (or Command+K on Mac).

Type what you want in plain language — for example, "Create a rock-paper-scissors game in Python" — and press Enter.

Within a few seconds, the AI will write the code for you.

Step 5: Try Asking Questions in Chat

Pros and Cons of Cursor

Pros

Multiple AI models available: Switch between GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, and more depending on your needs.
VS Code extensions work as-is: You can migrate your existing VS Code setup without any hassle.
Powerful multi-file editing: Even on large projects, you can edit multiple files at once.
Generous free plan: 2,000 completions and 50 questions per month at no cost.
Autonomous work via agent feature: A 2026 addition that lets the AI make its own judgments and progress through tasks independently.

Cons

Higher price: The paid plan costs $20/month, which is more than GitHub Copilot at $10/month.
Standalone editor: Cannot be used within other editors (such as JetBrains IDEs).
Learning curve: It may take some time to get comfortable with AI-driven interactions.
Internet connection required: AI features are unavailable offline.
Japanese accuracy: Instructions given in Japanese may yield less accurate results compared to English.

Who Should Use Cursor

Cursor is especially recommended for the following types of people:

Programming beginners: Being able to ask the AI questions instantly makes learning smoother.
Developers working on large-scale projects: The Composer feature for editing multiple files at once is invaluable.
People who want to try multiple AI models: Freely switch between GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, and others.
VS Code users: Add AI capabilities while staying in the environment you already know.
Efficiency-focused individuals: Code completion and the agent feature can dramatically cut down on working time.

On the other hand, Cursor may not be the right fit for:

People who want to keep using editors other than VS Code (such as JetBrains IDEs)
People who want to write all their code themselves without relying on AI
People who find the $20/month price tag too high
People who frequently program in offline environments

Summary

Cursor is a VS Code-based code editor with built-in AI.
It supports code generation, completion, chat, multi-file editing, and agent functionality.
Even on the free plan, you get 2,000 completions and 50 questions per month.
The paid (Pro) plan is $20/month and gives you unlimited access to multiple AI models.
It is a recommended tool for a wide range of developers, from beginners to advanced users.
Cursor 3, released in 2026, brings major enhancements to the agent feature.

Even if you are just starting out with programming, the power of AI can help you grow at a surprisingly fast pace. Start with the free version and see whether it works for you.

This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.

What You'll Learn in This Article

What Is Cursor?

What You Can Do with Cursor (Key Features)

1. Code Generation

2. Code Completion

3. AI Chat

4. Composer (Multi-File Editing)

5. Agent Feature (Autonomous Work)

How to Use Cursor (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

Step 1: Download and Install

Step 2: Create an Account and Configure Initial Settings

Step 3: Switch to Japanese (Optional)

Step 4: Try Generating Some Code

Step 5: Try Asking Questions in Chat

Pros and Cons of Cursor

Pros

Cons

Who Should Use Cursor

Summary

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What You'll Learn in This Article

What Is Cursor?

What You Can Do with Cursor (Key Features)

1. Code Generation

2. Code Completion

3. AI Chat

4. Composer (Multi-File Editing)

5. Agent Feature (Autonomous Work)

How to Use Cursor (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

Step 1: Download and Install

Step 2: Create an Account and Configure Initial Settings

Step 3: Switch to Japanese (Optional)

Step 4: Try Generating Some Code

Step 5: Try Asking Questions in Chat

Pros and Cons of Cursor

Pros

Cons

Who Should Use Cursor

Summary