Cursor is the most popular AI-powered code editor and the tool most associated with vibe coding. Built as a VS Code fork by Anysphere, it integrates AI into every part of coding — chat-based editing, autonomous Agent mode, and MCP integration with external tools.
This guide covers setup, core features, Cursor Rules, MCP configuration, pricing, and how it compares to alternatives.
What Makes Cursor Different
Inline editing: Select code, press Cmd+K, describe what you want, and the AI modifies in place.
Chat with context: The sidebar chat understands your entire project — ask about your actual code, not generic patterns.
Agent mode: Give Cursor a complex task and it works autonomously — editing multiple files, running terminal commands, generating tests, iterating on errors. This bridges vibe coding and agentic coding.
Tab completion: AI autocomplete predicts entire code blocks informed by project context.
MCP integration: Connect to databases, documentation, design tools through Model Context Protocol. One-click installation for popular servers.
VS Code compatibility: All extensions, themes, keybindings carry over.
Getting Started
- Download from cursor.com
- Import VS Code settings (one-click migration)
- Sign in and choose your AI model (Claude Sonnet 4.5 default)
- Enable Agent mode: Settings → Features → Agent Mode
- Configure MCP: Settings → MCP → Browse servers
Cursor Rules: The Key to Great Output
Cursor Rules provide persistent project context. Create .cursorrules in your project root:
# Project: MyApp # Stack: Next.js 15, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Supabase, shadcn/ui # Conventions: - Use functional React components with hooks - Use TypeScript strict mode - Use Tailwind for all styling, no CSS modules - Use Supabase for auth and database - Use shadcn/ui components where possible - Write tests with Vitest - Use absolute imports (@/components, @/lib) - Error handling: always use try/catch with typed errors
Good rules dramatically improve output quality.
MCP Setup in Cursor
Popular servers to install — create .cursor/mcp.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"context7": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@upstash/context7-mcp"]
}
}
}
Essential MCP servers: Context7 (live docs), GitHub MCP (repo access), Supabase MCP (database), Figma MCP (design tokens). Browse: MCP Servers directory.
Agent Mode: When to Use It
Use for: Multi-file refactoring, feature implementation, test generation, bug investigation.
Don't use for: Quick one-line fixes (use inline editing), exploratory questions (use chat).
Agent mode works best with clear, scoped tasks paired with good Cursor Rules. Always commit before Agent sessions so you can roll back.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 2,000 completions, 50 slow premium requests |
| Pro | $20/mo | Unlimited completions, 500 fast requests, Agent mode |
| Business | $40/user/mo | Admin controls, SSO, analytics |
Cursor vs. the Competition
vs Windsurf: Cursor better for individuals; Windsurf targets enterprise.
vs Claude Code: Different tools — Cursor is an IDE, Claude Code is an autonomous CLI agent. Many use both. Comparison →
vs GitHub Copilot: Cursor has deeper AI integration; Copilot has the GitHub ecosystem. Comparison →
Tips
- Invest in Cursor Rules — the single highest-leverage thing you can do
- Install Context7 via MCP to eliminate outdated suggestions
- Commit before Agent mode — always have a clean git state
- Use @ references in chat to point at specific files and functions
Related: What Is Vibe Coding? | What Is Agentic Coding? | GitHub Copilot vs Cursor vs Claude Code | Best Vibe Coding Tools 2026
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