Overview
AI-first VS Code fork with agent-based coding, autocomplete, and codebase-aware chat. Built by Anysphere, Cursor pairs a familiar VS Code interface with deep AI integration, Tab autocomplete, multi-line edits, codebase chat, and agentic coding via Composer/Agents (cloud or terminal). Supports GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok and Cursor’s own models. Reportedly $2B ARR in 2026.
What you get
AI-driven code generation from prompts and selections. Cursor also brings an autonomous agent that can plan, edit, and verify changes across multiple files, native IDE integration so AI runs where you already work, and inline autocomplete that learns project conventions. Tools in this category typically combine inline autocomplete, codebase-aware chat, and increasingly agentic capabilities, the assistant can plan multi-file edits, run tests, and iterate until the change goes green. Expect deep IDE integration (VS Code, JetBrains, Neovim), support for multiple frontier models, and the ability to bring in repository context, tickets, and docs.
Where it fits in your stack
Most teams adopt them as an editor-resident layer alongside existing CI, linting, and review processes, not as a replacement for engineering judgement. The right pick depends on how much of your code is private, how much agency you want the AI to have by default, and how the tool handles secrets and telemetry.
Who it’s for
Cursor is aimed primarily at engineering teams. When evaluating, focus on the model lineup, latency on real codebases, how the agent behaves when it doesn’t know something, the quality of inline diff review, and whether the pricing model scales as your team grows.
Pricing & licensing
Available as a free tier with paid plans for higher usage and team features. Pricing changes regularly, so check Cursor’s site for the current plans, free-tier limits, and any recent additions before you commit.