The beginner's guide to coding with Cursor | Lee Robinson (Head of AI education)

About this video

• Video Title: The beginner's guide to coding with Cursor | Lee Robinson (Head of AI education)
• Channel: How I AI
• Speakers: Claravcio, Lee Robinson
• Duration: 00:45:28

Overview

This video is a beginner's guide to using Cursor, an AI-powered code editor, presented by Lee Robinson, Head of AI Education at Cursor. The discussion covers Cursor's interface, the importance of typed languages, linters, and tests for AI-assisted coding, and demonstrates how the AI agent can automate tasks like fixing errors and running parallel coding jobs. It also touches on setting up custom rules, understanding different AI models, and tips for effective AI usage, including its application in writing.

Key takeaways

• Cursor's AI Agent: Cursor is an AI code editor that integrates with various AI models, allowing users to code with AI assistance. Its agent can perform tasks like fixing lint errors, running terminal commands, and verifying its own code changes.
• Importance of Code Structure: Using typed languages (like TypeScript), linters, formatters, and tests makes code more resilient and helps AI models fix errors more effectively by providing better context and feedback.
• Parallel Tasking with the Agent: The Cursor agent can handle tasks in the background, allowing users to work on other parts of their codebase simultaneously, acting as a parallel coding assistant.
• Custom Rules and Prompts: Users can set up custom rules and commands within Cursor to codify specific behaviors or review processes, enhancing the AI's efficiency and consistency.
• AI for Writing: Cursor's AI capabilities can also be used to improve writing by refining style, tone, and identifying overused or banned phrases, acting as a sophisticated writing assistant.
• Bridging the Gap for Beginners: Cursor aims to make coding more accessible to beginners by putting code structure front and center and leveraging AI to demystify the process, enabling users to build products without extensive prior coding knowledge.