Deep Dive into Cursor AI : Vibe Coding

Key Takeaways

• What is Cursor? Cursor is an AI-native code editor built as a fork of VS Code. It integrates Large Language Models (LLMs) directly into the development workflow, allowing for conversational code generation, editing, and debugging.  
• The “Vibe Coding” Concept: This is a method of programming where the developer directs the AI with high-level instructions or “vibes” (e.g., “create a secure S3 bucket”) rather than writing every line of code manually.  
• Key Advantages: Cursor accelerates development by automating boilerplate code, provides context-aware suggestions by scanning your entire codebase, and helps bridge skill gaps in unfamiliar languages or frameworks.  
• Significant Drawbacks: The AI can be inconsistent, generate incorrect code (errors), or invent non-existent functions (hallucinations). It requires constant expert supervision and validation.  
• Final Verdict: Cursor is a powerful force multiplier that enhances a developer’s existing skills. It’s an indispensable assistant for speeding up tasks, not a replacement for a knowledgeable engineer.  

A Deep Dive into Cursor: Is “Vibe Coding” the Future?

AI coding tools are making waves in the development community. AI agents are now so good at coding that they are becoming extremely useful for speeding up the development lifecycle. When combining AI Agents with leading reasoning large language models, the results are quite staggering. AI coding tools are not ready to take over the world just yet, but they are quickly becoming a valuable resource for developers, DevOps engineers, and Site Reliability folk.

This review focuses on one such tool that has transformed my workflow: Cursor

This article is going to focus on a tool I recently discovered called Cursor, or Cursor.AI to give its its full name. To the completely transparent, I have no affiliation with Cursor, and I am not paid for this content, or sponsored by Cursor.

That being said. Cursor is awesome!

My Dev Background

I’ll start by saying I am not a developer, by that I mean a traditional developer who sits and writes line by line code for an application or product. I can read a script in most languages and understand roughly what’s going on. But my experience in Development work comes from the Operations and Infrastructure perspective. My official job title is DevSecOps Engineer, which means I have to write production Infrastructure as Code.

My SDK of choice is either Terraform or CDK. I am much better a Terraform and HCL, I can write HCL for pretty much anything straight from the official documentation, CDK (TypeScript) on the other hand, I have struggled over the last 2 years to pick it up – however I am now at a level where I can write code, debug code and write unit tests – so I’m ok and can get by.

What is “Vibe Coding” and How Does it Work in Cursor?

“Vibe coding” is a method of software development where you act as an architect, describing your intention or “vibe,” and the AI acts as the builder, handling the low-level implementation. It shifts the focus from writing syntax to directing logic. Instead of meticulously placing each brick, you simply say, “Build a wall here,” and the AI does the heavy lifting.  

Cursor excels at this. Because it’s a fork of VS Code, it seamlessly integrates into a familiar environment—all my existing extensions and keybindings worked instantly. The AI isn’t a simple chatbot in a side panel; it’s woven into the editor. For example, instead of spending half an hour searching documentation for CDK syntax, I can open a chat and instruct the AI: @Codebase, generate a new IAM role with permissions X and Y, and attach it to the existing Lambda function named 'my-function'.

The @Codebase command is incredibly powerful. It tells Cursor to scan my entire project for context, ensuring the generated code aligns with my existing files, variables, and conventions. The output is presented as a diff (additions in green, removals in red), keeping me in complete control. I can review the changes, request modifications, and accept them with a single click, turning a tedious task into a fluid, conversational process.

What are the Main Advantages of Using Cursor?

Cursor’s primary advantage is its ability to act as a highly efficient programming partner. It multiplies your effectiveness by handling mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on complex, high-level problems like system design and security posture.  

Context-Aware Code Generation

Unlike basic autocomplete tools, Cursor’s AI can ingest the context of your entire project. This allows it to generate code that is not only syntactically correct but also consistent with your existing patterns and variable names. This deep contextual understanding significantly reduces the time spent on refactoring and debugging AI-generated code.  

Seamless VS Code Integration

Since Cursor is a fork of VS Code, the learning curve for the editor itself is virtually zero for existing users. This immediate familiarity is a huge plus, as you can leverage the power of AI without disrupting your established workflow. For more on optimizing your editor, check out our [guide to the best VS Code extensions for productivity].

Bridging Skill Gaps

For professionals like me who work across multiple languages and frameworks, Cursor is a powerful tool for bridging knowledge gaps. It allows my deep understanding of infrastructure principles to be translated directly into functional CDK and TypeScript, languages where I am less confident. This automates the boring, repetitive parts of coding, freeing up mental energy for the architectural challenges.  

What are the Limitations and Downsides of Cursor AI?

While revolutionary, Cursor is not a magic bullet. Treating it as an infallible expert is a recipe for disaster. It is a powerful assistant, but it has significant flaws that require a developer to remain vigilant, skeptical, and in control at all times.

Risk of Code Errors and Hallucinations

The most critical issue is that reasoning models do not understand code; they are masters of pattern recognition. This means the AI will, with absolute confidence, generate code that is subtly wrong, uses deprecated functions, or introduces security vulnerabilities. Even worse are “hallucinations,” where the AI invents functions or parameters that don’t exist. This can lead to hours of wasted time debugging code that looks plausible but is entirely fictional.

Lack of True Understanding

The AI has no grasp of your project’s business logic, long-term goals, or the specific reasons behind a quirky legacy implementation. It has tunnel vision; a prompt to fix one function might result in code that breaks four other dependent services. You are the only one holding the full picture, and you can never fully delegate that strategic oversight. This highlights the growing importance of [understanding core software architecture principles] even when using AI assistants.

How Do You Choose the Right AI Model in Cursor?

Cursor allows you to switch between different LLMs, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet, but the trade-offs aren’t always clear. A good rule of thumb is to match the model to the task’s complexity. For quick, boilerplate tasks or simple code generation, a faster and cheaper model like Claude 3.5 Sonnet is often sufficient. For complex problems, deep refactoring, or debugging, using a more powerful reasoning model like GPT-4o in “Max Mode” is worth the extra time and cost, as it can analyze your entire codebase for better context.  

Will AI Coding Assistants Like Cursor Replace Developers?

No, Cursor and similar AI tools will not make developers obsolete anytime soon. They are force multipliers, not replacements. To use these tools effectively, you must have a solid foundational knowledge of the code you are working with. You are the quality control expert responsible for spotting bugs, security holes, and inefficiencies in the AI’s suggestions.

The AI is best used to blast through boilerplate, scaffold new components, and act as a conversational documentation tool. It can take your existing skills and elevate them, making you faster and more efficient. For me, it has become an indispensable part of my toolkit, allowing me to work on a broader range of problems without getting bogged down in syntax. It’s a partner, not a replacement, and in this industry, a partner that has memorized the internet is a massive advantage. If you want to start building that foundational knowledge, our [beginner’s guide to Terraform] can help you learn the basics.