- Cursor combines editor and AI assistance to generate, modify, and explain code with project context.
- It stands out from Copilot, TabNine, Replit and Devin for its multi-file editing and deep chat.
- Integration with Apidog MCP Server aligns the code with your API specifications.
Whether you program daily or are just starting out, you've probably heard that AI is revolutionizing how we write and maintain code. In this practical guide, we'll explain, in detail and without beating around the bush, How to use Cursor AI to work faster, with fewer errors, and with a much smoother development workflow.
Among other things, we'll see comparisons with popular alternatives, key shortcuts, productivity tips, and powerful integration with Apidog MCP Server for APIs. Everything about the tool that's slowly replacing VSCode.
What is Cursor AI and why is it worth it?
AI Cursor It is an editor based on the VS Code experience that incorporates advanced language models such as GPT-4, GPT-4 Turbo, Claude 3.5 Sonnet and its own model (Cursor-small)Beyond autocomplete, it understands your project, generates and modifies code, explains complex snippets, and assists you at the repository level.
Unlike a classic editor, here AI It doesn't just suggest isolated lines of code: it can propose coordinated changes across multiple files, refactor, and document., in addition to chatting with you with knowledge of the context of your codebase.
Cursor versus other AI solutions for programming
There's a huge ecosystem of assistants. It's helpful to know the differences to choose wisely, and Cursor stands out for its project-scale work and its chat with deep context..
TabNine offers very fast autocomplete and supports many languages. It's ideal for immediate suggestions without complicated setup, but It lacks a global editing layer and natural language interaction. about the project offered by Cursor.
Replit Agents makes it easy to chat with LLM-based agents in a collaborative online environment. It shines in education and cloud projects, but It doesn't have the same integration with your local environment or direct support at the terminal. Cursor provides something key if you need fine control of your setup.
Devin (from Cognition.ai) adopts a technical mentoring approach, guiding solving tasks in parallel on complex codebases (refactorings, migrations, issues, or requests from Slack). Their focus is not so much on generating from scratch as on unblocking complex team projects, while Cursor balances code generation, modification, and explanation.
Installation: Requirements and First Steps
Installing Cursor AI is simple and it's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. At a minimum, you'll need Approximately 500 MB of storage, an internet connection for AI functions, and 4 GB of RAM. (8 GB or more is best to have plenty of space).
The standard process: visit the official website, download the installer for your system, and run it. On Windows, it's an .exe file with classic assistantOn macOS, you drag the app from the .dmg file to Applications; on Linux, you can use AppImage or the specified package manager.
On first launch, you'll create or log in to your account (the Pro feature trial is usually generous). If you're coming from VS Code, You can import extensions, preferences, and shortcuts to feel at home from minute one.
Adjust theme, typography, and shortcuts. Among the essentials: Ctrl+L/Cmd+L to open AI chatTab to accept suggestions, and online editing with Ctrl+K/Cmd+K about a selection. In many installations, the Composer opens with Ctrl+Pand in others with Ctrl+I/Cmd+I (depends on version and system).
Cursor interface and workflow
In the center you have the editor with tabs, line numbers, and syntax highlighting. On the left, the File Explorer; You can split the view to compare or edit side-by-side.Fantastic when you implement features that affect multiple modules.
The AI chat is usually on the right and is invoked with Ctrl+L/Cmd+LIt works like a conversation: you ask for explanations, function generation, Help with errors by pasting console messages or even quick theory (closures, async/await, etc.). It preserves context and understands your consecutive queries.
To play code “in situ”, select a block and press Ctrl+K/Cmd+K to describe changes. Ideal for refactoring. Add error handling, rewrite in a different style, or introduce new capabilities in the current role.
The Composer handles larger jobs, guiding the process and presenting diffs. The cursor shows new items in green and items that are deleted or changed in red.And you can accept or reject each modification in a granular way, maintaining control of the repository.
Integrated terminal and assisted automation
The native terminal (View > Terminal or Ctrl+`It avoids switching windows to run builds, tests, install dependencies, or deploy. But there's more: You can ask the AI to suggest commands. and stick them as is on the terminal.
A typical example: you need credentials for APIs. In Cursor, it's easy to generate an environment file. .env in the project root and declare variables without getting bogged down with the CLI. In some configurations, clicking on the terminal and pressing Ctrl+KYou can describe what you need in natural language and let it take care of it.
Powerful integration: Apidog MCP Server for APIs
If you work with APIs, the icing on the cake is connecting Cursor AI with Apidog MCP ServerThis gives the wizard direct access to your specifications (endpoints, parameters, authentication, etc.), and the code generation aligns perfectly with your documentation.
Clear advantages: API context awareness, accurate client and type generation, synchronization with changes from documentation and fewer jumps between editor and browser. Ideal for teams with complex APIs or for integrating with external services.
Requirements: have Node.js 18+An Apidog account and your project is ready. The configuration is done by creating a global MCP configuration file (~/.cursor/mcp.json) or a project-specific MCP configuration file (.cursor/mcp.json) with something like this:
{
"mcpServers": {
"API specification": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ,
"env": {
"APIDOG_ACCESS_TOKEN": "<access-token>"
}
}
}
}In Windows environments or on-premises deployments, you can add the Apidog server base URL with –apidog-api-base-url so that everything fits together:
{
"mcpServers": {
"API specification": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ,
"env": {
"APIDOG_ACCESS_TOKEN": "<access-token>"
}
}
}
}Are you working with standard OpenAPI/Swagger instead of an Apidog project? No problem: You can specify an OAS file or URL. directly:
{
"mcpServers": {
"API specification": {
"command": "npx",
"args":
}
}
}Once activated, the conversation with the AI becomes incredibly powerful: you can ask, for example, TypeScript interfaces from the “User” schema, React hooks connected to endpoints or update services to support new parameters according to the documentation.
Usa MCP para traer la documentación de la API y generar interfaces TypeScript del esquema User
Genera un hook de React para la API de productos basado en nuestra documentación
Actualiza esta clase de servicio para manejar los nuevos parámetros del endpoint /usersGood practices that make a difference
The key to success lies in how you communicate with the AI. Use specific prompts, provide context (affected files, function objectives), and requests justifications for changes When it suits you. That avoids "black magic" and allows you to learn.
Before applying diffs, review them calmlyThe green/red view helps you detect side effects. If something doesn't seem right, reject it and request a more conservative alternative, or limit the scope to certain project paths.
Don't delegate everything. Cursor AI is a co-pilot, not an autonomous agent. Quality and responsibility remain yours.Pass it errors from the terminal or production: it will help you isolate causes and iterate until the bug is resolved.
In environments with sensitive data, properly configure environment variables and secrets, and query how to protect your privacy. Keep keys out of the public repository And auditing dependencies is essential to avoid surprises.
Many websites inform users about the use of cookies to improve their experience. If you manage online documentation or demos, remember that Rejecting certain cookies may limit functionality. and it is advisable to explain it clearly and in accordance with your legal framework.
Limitations and ethical considerations
Although the productivity leap is remarkable, there are limits. Models don't always get it right. Sometimes they hallucinate or propose unsuitable patterns for your architecture. That's why reviewing and testing remains non-negotiable.
The context has a finite size: in large projects, not the entire codebase is included at once. Use the project index, limit the scope, and Use Composer for localized changes That's the smart thing to do.
The developer must consider the ethics of their implementations and the impact of automation. Responsibility for the final product lies with the people. who design, implement and validate it, not the tool.
Increased productivity: combining Cursor AI with ClickUp
Development isn't just typing. There's planning, sprints, documentation, and tracking. A powerful approach is Use Cursor for code and ClickUp for project managementcreating a frictionless ecosystem.
- ClickUp Brain It provides an assistant that understands your workflow, generates documentation, and accelerates tasks with well-designed prompts. It integrates with GitHub/GitLab repositories to synchronize commits, branches, and pull requests across tasks, reducing context switches and improving traceability.
- With ClickUp DocsIt connects specifications, code, and annotations with block formatting and highlighting support for dozens of languages. Its views (Kanban, Gantt, dashboards) help monitor dependencies, milestones, and schedules.
Pre-configured development templates provide an initial boost based on best practices, and you can adapt them to Scrum, Kanban, or hybrid frameworks. The goal: less mental load and more focus on building..
Community and resources to continue learning
The community adds so much. There are spaces focused on the programming side of ChatGPT and other assistants, where things are shared. Real interactions, tricks, and complete projectsReading the rules and participating respectfully makes it easier for everyone to learn.
If you've already experimented with Cursor or similar tools, we encourage you to share what worked for you, where you got stuck, and What shortcuts or practices have saved you time?That practical exchange is invaluable to the next person.
Cursor doesn't replace your skills; it amplifies them. With easy installation, contextual chat, online editing, Composer for large projects, and integration with Apidog MCP Server for APIsYou have an environment where writing, understanding, and deploying code is faster and less painful. Adding management tools like ClickUp, an end-to-end flow is created that unleashes creativity while maintaining quality and control.
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