Cursor AI code editor overview

Agent and Plan mode: Agent mode handles multi-step edits across files, while Plan mode breaks larger tasks into reviewable steps before changes land in your repo.

Cursor CLI: Cursor CLI extends the same AI workflows to terminal and automation setups—useful when you want headless or script-driven assistance outside the GUI editor.

Model choice and context: Pick models for different jobs—fast completions versus heavier reasoning—and monitor context usage so long threads stay within practical limits.

VS Code familiarity: Extensions, keybindings, and cmd-click (or ctrl-click) navigation behave like VS Code, including go-to-definition flows developers expect from a daily driver editor.

Student and Pro tiers: Verified students can apply for Cursor Pro student access through the official students program; paid Pro plans add higher request limits for production work.

Official community resources: Careers listings, changelog notes, marketplace integrations, and troubleshooting docs live on cursor.com and forum.cursor.com.

Install from the official site: Download Cursor for macOS, Windows, or Linux from cursor.com, sign in, and import VS Code settings if you are switching editors.

Verify student eligibility early: If you need Cursor Pro for students, complete verification on cursor.com/students before relying on Pro limits for coursework or internships.

Pick a workflow mode: Use inline chat for small edits, Plan mode for scoped feature plans, and agent mode when the task spans multiple files or needs tool use.

Check service status before debugging: When searches like “is Cursor down” spike, confirm outages on status.cursor.com before reinstalling or rotating API keys.

Use CLI where it fits: Add Cursor CLI to CI or local scripts when you want the same models outside the desktop UI—see cursor.com/cli for current install steps.

Professional software engineers: Ship features faster with refactors, test scaffolding, and repo-aware answers without leaving the editor.

Students and educators: Learn patterns, debug assignments, and access student Pro pricing when eligible through the official verification flow.

Founders and indie builders: Prototype full-stack apps, iterate on UI copy, and run terminal commands with AI assistance in one workspace.

Teams evaluating AI tooling: Compare model behavior (for example Opus vs Sonnet trade-offs), context limits, and CLI fit before standardizing on a stack.

Freemium pricing: Cursor ships free usage tiers plus paid Pro plans; request limits, fast requests, and model access change with plan level and account status.

Careers and jobs: Open roles are listed at cursor.com/careers; applications and job details are handled on the official site.

Status and outages: Third-party “is Cursor down” searches usually map to status.cursor.com or brief provider incidents.

Performance troubleshooting: High CPU usage, slow indexing, or checkpoint restore issues are handled in official docs and forum threads.

Page type: This route is a curated listing at /cursor. Downloads, billing, and model routing happen on cursor.com.

Referral link disclosure: The Visit Website button opens cursor.com through a referral URL. Pricing and eligibility are always determined on the official site.