What is the difference between Cursor and VS Code?

Cursor is a fork of VS Code that integrates AI directly into the editor's core. While VS Code uses plugins (like Copilot) that have limited access to your codebase, Cursor's AI (Composer) can see your entire project, terminal, and git changes to write code across multiple files instantly.

How does Cursor Composer work?

Cursor Composer (Cmd+I) is a multi-file editing agent. Unlike a chat window that gives you code to copy-paste, Composer applies changes directly to your files. It can refactor entire directories, create new components, and fix bugs across your stack in one go.

Do I need a paid subscription for Cursor?

Cursor has a free tier, but for the advanced 'Pro' features (like Composer, Tab-autocomplete, and premium models like GPT-4o or Claude 3.5 Sonnet), a subscription ($20/mo) is highly recommended for professional workflows.

Can I import my VS Code extensions to Cursor?

Yes. Since Cursor is a fork of VS Code, it supports the entire VS Code extension marketplace. You can import all your settings, themes, and keybindings in one click during setup.

AppSpark

The Definitive Guide

Stop Fighting the AI.
Start Directing It.

Most developers use less than 10% of Cursor's power. This guide will take you from "AI user" to "AI commander."

Master Cursor Fast Read the Guide

TL;DR

•Cursor is not just VS Code with a chat window; it requires a new workflow ("Composer First").
•Context is everything: You must teach the AI your project structure using .cursorrules.
•The "Context Window" is your limiting factor—learn to manage what files the AI "sees".
•Prompting for code is different than prompting for text. You need to be explicit about "what", not "how".

Why "Good Enough" Isn't Good Enough

You switched to Cursor because you saw the demos. You saw people building apps in minutes. But in reality? You're spending half your time reverting AI changes, explaining the same folder structure over and over, and fixing imports that shouldn't have broken.

The problem isn't the AI. The problem is that you are treating it like a junior developer, but not giving it an onboarding document.

To master Cursor, you need to shift your mindset from "writing code" to "architecting context."

1. Context Architecture

The AI doesn't know your mental model. You must explicitly define your project structure, preferred libraries, and patterns in a way the AI can ingest instantly.

2. The Composer Workflow

Stop using the sidebar chat for code changes. Composer (Cmd+I or Cmd+K) allows for multi-file edits and understands the relationship between files better than the chat.

The Secret Weapon: .cursorrules

The .cursorrules file is the single most important file in your repo. It tells Cursor exactly how to behave. Without it, Cursor is guessing.

Without .cursorrules

• Uses generic Tailwind classes
• Forgets you're using Next.js 15
• Creates new components in random folders
• Reinvents auth logic every time

With .cursorrules

• Uses your custom design system
• Follows strict Folder-by-Feature structure
• Knows your exact tech stack versions
• Reuses existing utility functions

What goes in it?

# TECH STACK
- Next.js 15 (App Router)
- TailwindCSS (Utility First)
- Supabase (Auth & DB)

# CODING STYLE
- Functional components only
- No "export default", use named exports
- Use "interface" over "type" for props

# FILE STRUCTURE
- @/components/ui/ -> primitive UI (buttons, inputs)
- @/features/ -> feature-specific domains

Get 5 essential .cursorrules snippets

Workflow: Composer Speed Run

Most developers use Cursor like ChatGPT: ask a question, copy-paste code. This is wrong.

The "Pro" workflow leverages Cursor Composer (Cmd+I) to write code for you across multiple files.

The "Reviewer" Mindset

"Don't write the code. Write the spec for the code, then review the AI's implementation."

Open Composer (Cmd+I): Don't use the sidebar.
Tag the right context: Use @File or @Folder to give the AI exactly what it needs (and nothing more).
Write pseudo-code: "Create a UserCard component that takes 'name' and 'avatar'. Style it like the 'ProjectCard'. Add it to the Dashboard page."
Apply All: Let Cursor write the files.
Review Diff: Check for logic errors. This is where your job lies now.

Read deep dive: Stop Writing Boilerplate

3 Ways You're breaking the AI

1. Overloading Context

Adding your entire codebase (`@Codebase`) for a simple CSS change confuses the model. Be surgical.

2. Vague Instructions

"Fix the bug" is bad. "The user is logged out when refreshing /dashboard because the token isn't persisting" is good.

3. Ignoring Technical Debt

If your code is messy, the AI will write messy code to match it. Clean up the foundation first.

Need a Personalized "Cursor Audit"?

Reading a guide is one thing. Having an expert look at your actual codebase and configure your .cursorrules for you is another.

We write your .cursorrules

Tailored specifically to your stack and preferences.

We optimize your context

Restructure your folders so AI understands them instantly.

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