Cursor

It is one of the most popular AI coding platforms. It uses a forked version of VS Code with built-in AI features. It allows you to use your API key from your favorite AI platform. Now, with the new update, it includes an AI agent that can help run some commands in your terminal.

Key Features of Cursor

i. Mind-Reading Autocomplete: Cursor is like having a helpful friend who can finish your sentences just as you begin to speak. This tool features an advanced autocomplete function that intelligently predicts your next coding steps. Once activated, it continuously offers suggestions for edits across multiple lines, taking into account your most recent changes and coding patterns. It can propose several edits simultaneously, significantly saving you time and effort.

Imagine having a friend who not only corrects your grammar and spelling mistakes but also understands the context of your conversation. You can type carelessly, and Cursor will diligently fix your errors, ensuring your code remains clean and efficient. This predictive capability enhances your coding experience by reducing the need for constant manual adjustments, thus streamlining your workflow.

Whether you're making minor tweaks or extensive revisions, Cursor's intuitive support ensures that your coding process is both efficient and enjoyable. It's like having a co-pilot who guides you through the complexities of coding, making sure you stay on course while achieving your programming goals.

ii. Insightful Chat: Engage with an AI that understands your codebase. By pressing Ctrl+L, you can open a chat interface that sees your current file and cursor. The chat can always see your current file and cursor, so you can ask it things like: “Is there a bug here?”. You can add particular blocks of code to the context with Ctrl+Shift+L or “@.” You can chat with your entire codebase with Ctrl+Enter.
Apply the code suggestions from chat back into your codebase by clicking the play button on top of any chat codeblock. Use @Codebase or Ctrl+Enter to ask questions about your codebase. Cursor will search your codebase to find relevant code to your query. Reference code with @ symbols to be used as context for the AI. Just type @ to see a list of all the files and code symbols in your folder. Hit the image button under chat or drag an image into the input box to include visual context into chat. Get up-to-date information from the internet with @Web. Cursor will search the web for you and use the latest information to answer your question. Reference popular libraries using @LibraryName, or add your own using @Docs → Add new doc.

iii. Composer, Your Coding Companion: It is your incredible companion designed to assist you with all your coding challenges. Think of it as a dependable friend who listens carefully to everything you say and then works diligently to create exactly what you've described.

This feature of Cursor is what makes it exceptionally powerful and versatile. You simply describe the application you wish to develop in natural language, and it interprets your words to build the application accordingly. Additionally, you have the option to upload an image to provide further guidance on what you want it to create.

While it strives to meet your expectations, there may be times when it exceeds what you envisioned or falls slightly short, so be prepared for some unexpected results. This capability allows for a dynamic and interactive coding experience, where you can explore new possibilities and refine your ideas with the help of your coding companion.

Pricing: Cursor offers three different pricing options.

Windsurf

It was created by the team behind Codeium. Codeium is a VS Code extension with AI capabilities for auto-suggestion and auto-complete. It also has inline chat features. Just like Cursor, it also uses a forked version of VS Code. It has some built-in AI functionalities that make it capable of generating code. It has an AI Agent that helps run commands and start your local server, installing the necessary libraries or packages for the smooth running of your application.

Key Features of Windsurf

i. Auto & Super Complete with mind reading capabilities:This feature is designed to support a wide range of programming languages, making it one of Windsurf's most impressive abilities. The Auto & Super Complete function doesn't just suggest the next line of code; it smartly predicts your next steps in the coding process. By carefully analyzing the context of your work, it significantly improves the accuracy of code completion suggestions.

This means the model has all the key information to provide accurate and relevant suggestions that might otherwise be missed. As a result, developers enjoy a smoother and more efficient coding process, with fewer interruptions and a more seamless workflow. This advanced predictive capability lets developers focus more on the creative parts of coding, while the tool takes care of the routine and repetitive tasks, ultimately boosting productivity and enhancing the overall coding experience.

ii. Intuitive Inline Command: Windsurf includes an inline chat feature that acts as a valuable assistant for developers, offering a range of supportive functions. This feature is particularly useful for explaining complex code snippets, providing clarity and understanding to developers who might be grappling with intricate logic or unfamiliar syntax. Additionally, it assists in debugging by identifying errors and suggesting potential fixes, which can save developers significant time and effort.

The inline chat also aids in refactoring existing code, helping developers improve the structure and readability of their code without altering its functionality. This makes Windsurf not only an efficient tool that enhances productivity but also an enjoyable one to use. By streamlining the development process, it allows developers to focus more on creative problem-solving and less on repetitive tasks, ultimately helping them to understand their code better and become more proficient in their work.

iii. Cascade, Your Powerful Ally: Cascade functions similarly to Cursor’s Composer, offering a robust feature set for developers. By simply describing the code or application you wish to create in natural language, Cascade leverages its understanding to build the application from the ground up. It can generate necessary files, install all required packages, and even run the server for you. Cascade can be activated with the shortcut Ctrl+L and operates in two distinct modes: Write and Chat. Write mode allows Cascade to directly create and modify your code, while Chat mode is designed for answering questions about your code or discussing general coding principles. This dual-mode functionality makes Cascade a versatile and powerful tool in the developer's toolkit.Cascade always starts by creating a requirements.txt or package.json file. What makes Cascade powerful is its ability to install the dependencies or packages needed for the project. Cascade can run your server. What makes Cascade powerful is its ability to debug your packages by installing the exact packages needed for your project.

Pricing: Windsurf prices come in three different categories.

• In conclusion, both Cursor and Windsurf provide robust AI code editor features tailored to different developer needs. Cursor excels with its "Mind-Reading Autocomplete" and "Insightful Chat," making it ideal for developers who value seamless code navigation and interactive codebase engagement. Its Composer feature is particularly advantageous for those who prefer a natural language approach to coding. Cursor offers three pricing tiers: Hobby (Free), Pro ($20/month), and Business ($40/user/month), catering to different levels of usage and organizational needs.

• Conversely, Windsurf shines with its "Auto & Super Complete with the ability to predict your next intent" and "Intuitive Inline Command," offering a comprehensive toolset for developers requiring precise code completion and efficient debugging assistance. Cascade, akin to Cursor's Composer, enhances versatility with its dual-mode functionality. Windsurf's pricing includes Free, Pro ($15/month), and Pro Ultimate ($60/month) plans, providing options for various levels of access and support.

• Ultimately, the choice between Cursor and Windsurf hinges on the specific requirements and preferences of the developer. If you prioritize interactive chat features and natural language coding, Cursor might be the better fit. However, if precise code completion and debugging capabilities are more important, Windsurf could be the ideal choice. Consider your budget and feature needs when making a decision.