Getting Started with Cursor

Getting Started with Cursor

Let's get Cursor installed and configured. This is the IDE we will use throughout the course.

Installation

1. Go to cursor.com
2. Click Download for your operating system:
   • macOS (Apple Silicon or Intel)
   • Windows
   • Linux (deb, rpm, or AppImage)
3. Install and launch Cursor
4. Sign in with GitHub account or create new account
5. Choose your plan (Free trial available, then $20/month Pro or $200/month Ultra)

First Launch Configuration

Theme

Choose your color scheme (Jesse uses dark themes). Go to Settings → Themes.

AI Model Selection

Select which AI model to use for suggestions. Options include GPT-4, Claude, and others. Go to Settings → Models.

Extensions

Cursor includes most essential extensions. Add language-specific ones as needed:

• Python, TypeScript, etc.
• Prettier (code formatting)
• ESLint (JavaScript linting)

Key Features Walkthrough

1. The Sidebar (Left)

• Explorer - File browser for your project
• Search - Find in files
• Source Control - Git integration
• Extensions - Manage add-ons

2. The Editor (Center)

• Syntax highlighting
• Multi-cursor editing (Alt+Click)
• Inline AI suggestions (Tab to accept)
• Split view for multiple files

3. The Terminal (Bottom)

Integrated terminal. Run commands without leaving Cursor. Toggle with Cmd/Ctrl + backtick

4. AI Features (The Game Changers)

Cmd/Ctrl + K: Inline Edit

Select code, press Cmd+K, describe the change you want. AI edits it for you.

Example: Select a function, press Cmd+K, type "Add error handling"

Cmd/Ctrl + L: AI Chat

Ask questions about your code, get explanations, debug issues.

Example: "Why is this function slow?" or "Explain this code"

Cmd/Ctrl + I: Agent Mode (Composer)

This is the game-changer. Describe what you want to build, Cursor creates it across multiple files.

Example: "Create a Next.js API route that handles user authentication with email and password"

Tab: Accept AI Suggestion

As you type, AI suggests completions. Press Tab to accept.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

# File Navigation
Cmd/Ctrl + P          Quick file open
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P  Command palette
Cmd/Ctrl + B          Toggle sidebar

# Editing
Cmd/Ctrl + /          Comment/uncomment line
Cmd/Ctrl + D          Select next occurrence
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + L  Select all occurrences
Alt + Up/Down         Move line up/down

# Terminal
Cmd/Ctrl + backtick   Toggle terminal

# AI Features
Cmd/Ctrl + K          Inline AI edit
Cmd/Ctrl + L          AI chat
Cmd/Ctrl + I          Agent Mode

# Multi-Cursor
Alt + Click           Add cursor
Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + Down Add cursor below

Tips from Jesse's Workflow

1. Keep a PRD.md file in every project root for AI context
2. Use Agent Mode for scaffolding new features and boilerplate
3. Use Inline Edit for targeted changes to existing code
4. Use Chat for questions and learning how code works
5. Review AI code like you're a senior engineer reviewing a junior's work
6. Iterate quickly - let AI handle tedious parts, you focus on logic

Settings Jesse Recommends

• Auto Save - Enable (Settings → Files: Auto Save → afterDelay)
• Format On Save - Enable (keeps code clean)
• Tab Size - 2 spaces for JavaScript/TypeScript
• AI Model - Start with GPT-4 or Claude Sonnet

Your First Cursor Project

1. Create a folder for your capstone project
2. Open it in Cursor (File → Open Folder)
3. Create a README.md file
4. Try Agent Mode (Cmd+I): "Create a simple Next.js app with TypeScript and Tailwind"
5. Watch Cursor scaffold the entire project

Resources

• Official Cursor Documentation
• Migrate from VS Code
• Download Jesse's Cursor Settings in the resources above