AI IDE
Cursor
An AI-first code editor built on a VS Code foundation, with chat, an agent that edits several files at once, and fast autocomplete.
Free tier MCP support
Pricing
Cursor lists a free plan with limited agent and chat requests, plus paid plans. Plans and prices change, so check cursor.com/pricing before you subscribe.
Pros
- Familiar editor layout, so it is the gentler start for most beginners
- Project rules (.cursor/rules) and AGENTS.md give the AI standing instructions
- MCP servers are set up with a simple mcp.json file
- Free plan to try it
Cons
- The free plan is limited, so regular use usually means a paid plan
- It is a full code editor, which is a lot to take in if you have never used one
Guides for Cursor
Recipe
Add your first MCP server to Cursor
Beginner · 8 min read
GuideAGENTS.md explained: one instructions file for many AI coding tools
Intermediate · 8 min read
TroubleshootingPrompt recipes for fixing bugs with AI
Beginner · 8 min read
RecipeGive Cursor standing instructions with project rules
Intermediate · 8 min read
GuideA safety net for AI coding: Git basics for non-coders
Beginner · 9 min read
GuideWhat is an MCP server? A plain-English explainer
Beginner · 7 min read