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Version: Winter 2024 SheCodes Program

Cursor Usage Guide

Introduction to Cursor​

Cursor is a revolutionary code editor that integrates powerful AI features designed to improve developer productivity.

🤖 AI-Assisted Coding​

  • Real-time code completion
  • Error detection and fix suggestions
  • Intelligent code generation

🔄 Code Explanation and Refactoring​

  • Explain complex code
  • Provide refactoring suggestions
  • Code optimization recommendations

🌐 Multi-Language Support​

  • Support for mainstream programming languages
  • Framework-aware suggestions
  • Syntax highlighting

⚡ Integrated Development Environment​

  • Built-in terminal
  • Git integration
  • Debugging tools

Installation and Setup​

Download and Installation Steps​

1. Download the Installer​

Visit Cursor official website and click the "Download" button.

2. Run the Installer​

Choose the appropriate version for your operating system:

# Run the downloaded .exe file
cursor-setup.exe

3. Initial Configuration​

  1. Log in or create an account on first run
  2. Choose your preferred theme and font
  3. Configure commonly used programming languages
  4. Set up AI features (may require API key)

Common Keyboard Shortcuts​

Key to Efficiency

Mastering these shortcuts can significantly improve your development efficiency. It's recommended to print them out and keep them handy until you're fully familiar.

File Operation Shortcuts​

OperationWindows/LinuxmacOS
New FileCtrl + NCmd + N
Open FileCtrl + OCmd + O
Save FileCtrl + SCmd + S
Close FileCtrl + WCmd + W

Editing Operation Shortcuts​

OperationWindows/LinuxmacOS
CopyCtrl + CCmd + C
CutCtrl + XCmd + X
PasteCtrl + VCmd + V
UndoCtrl + ZCmd + Z
RedoCtrl + YCmd + Shift + Z
FindCtrl + FCmd + F
ReplaceCtrl + HCmd + H

AI Assistant Feature Shortcuts​

OperationWindows/LinuxmacOS
Activate AI AssistantCtrl + KCmd + K
AI Code CommentCtrl + /Cmd + /
AI Code ExplanationAlt + [Option + [
AI Optimization SuggestionsAlt + ]Option + ]

Collaborative Development with AI​

Code Completion and Suggestions​

Auto Code Completion Example​

def calculate_average(numbers):
# Start typing 'return', AI will provide complete average calculation code
return sum(numbers) / len(numbers)
Usage Tips
  • Use Tab or Enter key to accept suggestions
  • Use up/down arrow keys to switch between multiple suggestions
  • Press Esc to cancel suggestions

Code Explanation and Refactoring​

def fibonacci(n):
if n <= 1:
return n
else:
return fibonacci(n-1) + fibonacci(n-2)

Error Diagnosis and Fixing​

Example: Syntax Error Fix​

# Code with syntax error
def greet(name)
print("Hello, " + name + "!")

# Cursor will detect the missing colon and provide a fix suggestion:
def greet(name):
print("Hello, " + name + "!")

Generate Code Using Natural Language​

Example: Generate Code Through Comments​

# Create a function that takes a list of strings and returns all strings with length greater than 5

Press Ctrl + K, and AI will generate:

def filter_long_strings(string_list):
return [s for s in string_list if len(s) > 5]