What Is Cursor? How to Use the Latest AI-Powered Code Editor That's Changing Programming

"I want programming to be easier and faster" — Cursor is the tool that makes that wish come true. In this article, we'll explain Cursor, an AI-powered code creation tool, in a way that even beginners can understand.

What You'll Learn in This Article

What kind of tool Cursor is
Useful features you can use with Cursor
How to get started with Cursor and the basics of using it
The advantages and disadvantages of Cursor
Who Cursor is best suited for

What Is Cursor?

Cursor is a programming editor (software for writing code) with built-in AI (artificial intelligence). As of 2026, it has evolved to version 2.3 and is used by developers around the world.

What sets it apart from traditional editors is that the AI predicts the continuation of your code, fixes errors, and answers questions. Because it is based on the popular editor Visual Studio Code (VS Code), you can harness the power of AI while keeping the familiar feel you're used to.

It is developed by Anysphere, and supports a wide range of users from programming beginners to professional developers. It also supports Japanese, meaning you can ask questions and give instructions in Japanese — a major feature in its own right.

What You Can Do with Cursor

Cursor is packed with features that make programming more efficient. Here we introduce five of its main features.

1. Tab Completion

While writing code, pressing the Tab key prompts the AI to predict and suggest what you should write next. It can suggest not just a single line but multiple lines at once, dramatically increasing your coding speed.

2. Chat Feature

This feature lets you chat with the AI directly inside the editor. When you send questions or instructions in Japanese — such as "What does this code mean?" or "Fix this error" — it responds with a full understanding of your entire project's code. It feels just like having a senior engineer sitting right next to you.

3. Agent Feature

When you describe a task (something you want done), the AI automatically edits files and executes commands. For example, if you instruct it to "add a login feature," it will create and edit the necessary files for you.

4. Automations Feature

Added in the latest version in 2026, this feature integrates with external services such as Slack and GitHub to automatically advance work when specific events occur. For instance, when a bug report comes in, it can automatically suggest a fix.

5. Japanese Language Support

A March 2026 update improved the accuracy of Japanese prompts (instruction text for the AI). Even those who aren't confident in English can give instructions in natural Japanese, which lowers the barrier to learning.

How to Use Cursor

Here are three steps explaining everything from setup to basic usage for first-time Cursor users.

Step 1: Download and Install

Visit the official website (cursor.com) and download the free version. It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux. Installation is completed simply by following the on-screen instructions, just like any ordinary software.

Step 2: Initial Setup and Japanese Localization

Once Cursor launches, change the language to Japanese from the settings screen. You can also choose the AI model you want to use (such as GPT-4 or Claude). Even the free plan offers enough functionality for basic use.

Step 3: Try Writing Some Code

Create a new file and start writing code. Press the Tab key partway through and the AI will suggest how to continue. If there's anything you don't understand, open the Chat window and ask. Send a message like "Explain this code" and it will walk you through it carefully.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cursor

Every tool has its strengths and things to watch out for. Let's look at both sides of Cursor.

Advantages

Beginner-friendly: Even if you're not sure how to write code, the AI's suggestions let you learn as you go.
Faster workflow: Tab completion and the Agent feature reduce the amount you need to write manually, shortening development time.
Free to start: Basic features are available on the free plan, so you can try it out without any cost.
Usable in Japanese: Being able to give instructions and ask questions in Japanese — even if English is a weak point — is a major strength.
Familiar VS Code feel: If you already use VS Code, you'll be able to get comfortable with it right away.

Disadvantages

AI suggestions aren't always correct: The AI can sometimes suggest wrong code, so it's important to develop the habit of reviewing what it produces.
The free plan has limitations: Advanced features and large numbers of requests may require the paid plan ($20/month).
Requires an internet connection: Communication with the AI requires a network connection, so some features aren't available offline.
There's a learning curve: With so many useful features, it can take a little time to master them all.

Who Cursor Is Recommended For

Cursor is especially recommended for the following types of people:

Programming beginners: You can learn how to write code while putting it into practice, making it perfect for self-study.
Engineers who want to speed up development: Automate routine tasks and focus on the creative parts.
People who want to learn in Japanese: Even if English documentation is a struggle, you can ask questions in Japanese with confidence.
Solo developers and startups: With the free plan or Pro plan ($20/month), you can get a high-quality development environment while keeping costs down.
Team development: The Enterprise plan offers enhanced security and management features.

Summary

Cursor is a next-generation code editor that uses the power of AI to make programming more efficient. Here's a quick recap of the key points:

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor capable of code completion, chat, and automatic editing
Its main features include Tab completion, Chat, Agent, Automations, and Japanese language support
It's free to start and usable by a wide range of people from beginners to professionals
Advantages include learning support and improved work efficiency; disadvantages include AI accuracy and reliance on an internet connection
Especially recommended for programming beginners and those who want to speed up development

If you're interested in programming or want to develop more efficiently, give Cursor a try. You can start with the free plan, so dive into the world of AI programming with no pressure.

This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.

What You'll Learn in This Article

What kind of tool Cursor is
Useful features you can use with Cursor
How to get started with Cursor and the basics of using it
The advantages and disadvantages of Cursor
Who Cursor is best suited for

What Is Cursor?

Cursor is a programming editor (software for writing code) with built-in AI (artificial intelligence). As of 2026, it has evolved to version 2.3 and is used by developers around the world.

What You Can Do with Cursor

Cursor is packed with features that make programming more efficient. Here we introduce five of its main features.

1. Tab Completion

2. Chat Feature

3. Agent Feature

4. Automations Feature

5. Japanese Language Support

How to Use Cursor

Here are three steps explaining everything from setup to basic usage for first-time Cursor users.

Step 1: Download and Install

Step 2: Initial Setup and Japanese Localization

Step 3: Try Writing Some Code

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cursor

Every tool has its strengths and things to watch out for. Let's look at both sides of Cursor.

Advantages

Beginner-friendly: Even if you're not sure how to write code, the AI's suggestions let you learn as you go.
Faster workflow: Tab completion and the Agent feature reduce the amount you need to write manually, shortening development time.
Free to start: Basic features are available on the free plan, so you can try it out without any cost.
Usable in Japanese: Being able to give instructions and ask questions in Japanese — even if English is a weak point — is a major strength.
Familiar VS Code feel: If you already use VS Code, you'll be able to get comfortable with it right away.

Disadvantages

AI suggestions aren't always correct: The AI can sometimes suggest wrong code, so it's important to develop the habit of reviewing what it produces.
The free plan has limitations: Advanced features and large numbers of requests may require the paid plan ($20/month).
Requires an internet connection: Communication with the AI requires a network connection, so some features aren't available offline.
There's a learning curve: With so many useful features, it can take a little time to master them all.

Who Cursor Is Recommended For

Cursor is especially recommended for the following types of people:

Programming beginners: You can learn how to write code while putting it into practice, making it perfect for self-study.
Engineers who want to speed up development: Automate routine tasks and focus on the creative parts.
People who want to learn in Japanese: Even if English documentation is a struggle, you can ask questions in Japanese with confidence.
Solo developers and startups: With the free plan or Pro plan ($20/month), you can get a high-quality development environment while keeping costs down.
Team development: The Enterprise plan offers enhanced security and management features.

Summary

Cursor is a next-generation code editor that uses the power of AI to make programming more efficient. Here's a quick recap of the key points:

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor capable of code completion, chat, and automatic editing
Its main features include Tab completion, Chat, Agent, Automations, and Japanese language support
It's free to start and usable by a wide range of people from beginners to professionals
Advantages include learning support and improved work efficiency; disadvantages include AI accuracy and reliance on an internet connection
Especially recommended for programming beginners and those who want to speed up development

If you're interested in programming or want to develop more efficiently, give Cursor a try. You can start with the free plan, so dive into the world of AI programming with no pressure.

This article is a cross-post from AI Friends.

What You'll Learn in This Article

What Is Cursor?

What You Can Do with Cursor

1. Tab Completion

2. Chat Feature

3. Agent Feature

4. Automations Feature

5. Japanese Language Support

How to Use Cursor

Step 1: Download and Install

Step 2: Initial Setup and Japanese Localization

Step 3: Try Writing Some Code

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cursor

Advantages

Disadvantages

Who Cursor Is Recommended For

Summary

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What You'll Learn in This Article

What Is Cursor?

What You Can Do with Cursor

1. Tab Completion

2. Chat Feature

3. Agent Feature

4. Automations Feature

5. Japanese Language Support

How to Use Cursor

Step 1: Download and Install

Step 2: Initial Setup and Japanese Localization

Step 3: Try Writing Some Code

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cursor

Advantages

Disadvantages

Who Cursor Is Recommended For

Summary