Cursor Review (2025)

Code Generation and Completion

Cursor shines brightest with its code generation capabilities. Unlike traditional code completion tools that offer line-by-line suggestions based on patterns, Cursor can:

• Generate entire functions or components based on natural language descriptions
• Implement features described in plain English
• Create unit tests for existing code
• Convert between programming languages with impressive accuracy
• Scaffold entire projects according to specifications

The AI understands context beyond the current file, taking into account other project files, imports, dependencies, and coding patterns used throughout your repository. This results in generated code that's more consistent with your project's style and architecture.

Context-Aware Chat Interface

One of Cursor's standout features is its contextual chat interface. Unlike generic AI assistants, Cursor's chat system:

• Has complete awareness of your entire codebase
• Understands relationships between files and components
• Can answer questions about specific code sections
• Helps debug issues by analyzing relevant parts of your project
• Suggests improvements based on your existing code patterns

This is particularly valuable for onboarding to new codebases, understanding legacy code, or exploring unfamiliar libraries and frameworks. The chat window feels like having an experienced pair programmer who knows your entire project.

Code Refactoring

Cursor excels at AI-assisted refactoring tasks that would be time-consuming to perform manually:

• Restructuring complex functions for better readability
• Optimizing inefficient code while maintaining functionality
• Converting between coding patterns (e.g., from callbacks to promises to async/await)
• Updating code to use newer language features or libraries
• Implementing design patterns appropriate to your codebase

The refactoring capabilities go beyond simple transformations to understand the intent behind your code, allowing for more intelligent restructuring that maintains business logic while improving implementation.

Semantic Code Search

Cursor's semantic search capabilities dramatically improve navigation in large codebases:

• Search for code by describing its functionality in natural language
• Find related functions across different files
• Locate implementation details without knowing exact function names
• Discover usage patterns throughout your project

This feature is particularly valuable when working with unfamiliar codebases or when trying to locate specific functionality in complex projects with many files and directories.

User Experience and Interface

Being built on VS Code, Cursor offers a familiar and polished interface for existing VS Code users. Key aspects include:

• Clean, customizable interface with various themes
• Support for most VS Code extensions
• Familiar keyboard shortcuts and commands
• Split editing, terminal integration, and other standard IDE features
• AI controls seamlessly integrated into the traditional coding experience

The transition for VS Code users is nearly seamless, with the AI features feeling like natural extensions rather than bolted-on additions. Some features are hidden behind keyboard shortcuts, which can create a slight learning curve, but documentation and in-app tutorials help new users get oriented.

Performance and Reliability

Cursor generally offers good performance, though there are some considerations:

• Base editor performance is comparable to VS Code
• AI operations occasionally introduce latency, especially when processing large repositories
• Requires an active internet connection for AI features
• Occasional inaccuracies in complex AI-generated code require human verification
• Works well across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms

The editor maintains responsiveness for basic coding tasks even when AI features are processing, allowing you to continue work while waiting for AI-generated results.

Pricing and Value

Cursor offers two main pricing tiers:

• Free Version: Includes basic AI features with reasonable usage limits
• Pro Plan: $20/month with higher limits, priority processing, and exclusive features

The free tier is surprisingly capable, offering genuine value for individual developers, students, and small projects. Professional developers and teams will likely benefit from the Pro plan's additional features and higher usage limits, especially when working on larger codebases.

Cursor vs. Traditional Code Editors in 2025

Compared to traditional coding environments, Cursor offers significant advantages:

• Time Savings: Accelerates routine coding tasks through AI assistance
• Reduced Context Switching: Integrates documentation, explanation, and code generation in one environment
• Learning Tool: Helps understand new codebases and technologies faster
• Error Reduction: AI suggestions can help catch potential bugs earlier

For experienced developers, the greatest value comes from automating routine tasks and reducing the cognitive load of context switching between documentation, Stack Overflow, and code editors.

Cursor vs. Other AI Coding Tools

In the growing landscape of AI-enhanced development tools, Cursor distinguishes itself through:

• Comprehensive Integration: Deep AI integration throughout the entire IDE
• Whole Repository Context: Understanding of the entire codebase rather than just the current file
• Chat Interface Quality: More conversational and context-aware than most competitors
• VS Code Compatibility: Familiar interface and extension support

While GitHub Copilot offers integration with multiple editors and Codeium provides a free alternative, Cursor's AI-native approach and deep contextual understanding set it apart as a comprehensive solution rather than just an add-on to existing tools.