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Cursor - AI-First Code Editor & Pair Programming | Klero Resources

A practical guide to Cursor: AI chat, Composer, codebase awareness, and when to use it for faster coding and refactors.

Cursor

Cursor is an AI-first code editor built on VS Code. You get inline completion, chat, and Composer - an AI that can edit across files, use your codebase as context, and run terminal commands. This guide covers what Cursor does well and how to use it without over‑relying on generated code.

How Cursor code editor works - Cursor Team

Why cursor fits product work

  • VS Code foundation - Familiar keybindings, extensions, and layout. You keep your workflow; AI sits inside it.
  • Codebase-aware - @code, @docs, and @web let the AI read your repo, docs, or the web. Fewer “paste this file” back‑and‑forth.
  • Composer - Multi-file edits, refactors, and “build this feature” in one step. You review and accept; it doesn’t run untrusted code without you.
  • Inline and chat - Tab completion for short bits; chat for explanations, drafts, or “what does this do?”. Use both.
  • Model choice - Different models for speed vs depth. Use a fast model for completion; use a stronger one for Composer and hard tasks.

    • Core concepts that matter

    Chat vs composer

    Chat is for questions, snippets, and single-file help. Composer is for multi-file changes: “add a login flow”, “refactor this into a hook”, “fix the broken tests.” Open Composer when the edit spans more than one file or needs a plan.

    @-mentions and context

    @code (or @folder) - Points the AI at specific files or dirs. @docs - Official docs for a library. @web - Search the web. @codebase - Indexed codebase search. Use @ to scope context so answers stay relevant and the model doesn’t guess from irrelevant files.

    Inline completion (tab)

    Tab accepts a grey completion. Trigger on new lines or mid-line. Use it for boilerplate, types, and repeated patterns. Turn it off or change trigger if it gets in the way; many keep it on and Tab‑selectively.

    Rules and instructions

    Cursor rules (e.g. in .cursorrules) - Project-level instructions: style, conventions, “prefer X over Y.” Composer instructions - Per‑request: “use our design tokens”, “follow the existing API.” Clear rules cut down wrong patterns and wrong libraries.

    Privacy and data

    Cursor can use your code to improve models (check current settings). For sensitive repos, use “no training” or similar if offered. Read the privacy and data policy for your version.

    Practical habits

  • Start with Chat for “what is this?” - Before big edits, use chat + @code to understand the codebase. Then use Composer for the actual change.
  • Scope Composer with @ - Add @folder or @file so the AI doesn’t wander. “In lib/auth, add a function that…” is better than “add a function…”
  • Review every diff - Accept or reject by hunk. Don’t accept blindly; catch wrong imports, wrong APIs, and over‑engineering.
  • Keep a short .cursorrules - “We use Tailwind, avoid inline styles”, “Prefer existing helpers in utils/”. A few lines help a lot.
  • Use a fast model for Tab - Reserve heavier models for Composer and tricky design decisions.

    • When cursor isn’t the fit

  • Strict air‑gapped or compliance environments - Code and context may be sent to external APIs. Use local or approved tools if you can’t send code out.
  • You prefer a different editor - If you live in JetBrains or another IDE, their AI add‑ons might fit better. Cursor is strongest if you’re already in VS Code.
  • Very small, throwaway scripts - A single file and a single question might be easier in the browser or another tool. Cursor pays off when you have a real codebase and repeated edits.

    • Pricing (high level)

    Free - Limited requests and premium models. Enough to try and light use.

    Pro and above - More requests, faster models, Composer, priority. Check Cursor’s pricing for current plans.

    The beginner's guide to coding with Cursor - Lee Robinson

    Cursor is a strong default when you want an AI editor that understands your codebase and can edit across files. Use @ to scope context, Composer for multi-file work, and always review before accepting.

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