Coding with Cursor AI | Is this the Future of Coding?!

Introduction

I am beyond excited to share my experience with Cursor AI, a groundbreaking tool that has been making waves on the internet. For those unfamiliar, Cursor AI is an AI-powered Integrated Development Environment (IDE) designed specifically for coding. With built-in AI capabilities, it promises to enhance productivity and streamline the coding process, allowing developers to focus on creativity rather than tedious tasks. I’ve been tinkering with it, and I have a lot to say about it. Today, I aim to put it to the ultimate test: can we replicate a Mario Kart game using Cursor AI?

Introduction to Cursor AI

Cursor AI is touted as the AI code editor that significantly boosts programming productivity. You can input your existing codebases, and the AI will adapt and modify them or even generate new projects based on your prompts. It’s an innovative approach that I hadn't experienced before, making me eager to explore its potential.

Getting Started

I downloaded the free Hobby version of Cursor AI for Mac to start this journey. It’s worth noting that while there are certain limitations (e.g., 2,000 completions), it’s excellent for hobbyists and those tinkering around. However, I believe persuading enterprises to adopt this tool may prove challenging.

Upon launching Cursor AI, the first step was to activate the chat feature. This is done through a simple command (Command + L). After setting up the terminal, I opened my main .py file, which initially contained some text that I chose to delete.

I instructed the AI to create a Mario Kart game using Python and Pygame. The results were swift and impressive, generating clean code that explained its functions and how to run it. However, it seemed like the implementation was on the simplistic side, with a single cart moving around a track.

Iterative Improvements

Determined to enhance the game, I asked the AI to include multiple carts, a more complex track design, power-ups, and improved graphics using sprite images. It came back with suggestions such as loading images, managing collisions, and displaying scores.

Next, I realized I needed to improve the interactivity of my game. I prompted the AI to make tokens and obstacles move, giving the gameplay a more dynamic feel. After several iterations, the game evolved from a static experience to including motion and a collectible element for players.

However, there were still some issues—specifically, the lack of ability to move the cart in any direction. I prompted the AI to allow movement in all directions and to implement a game-over scenario upon collision with obstacles. With these adjustments, the game became much more engaging.

Background and Aesthetic Enhancements

To further enhance the game's aesthetics, I used Canva to create a continuous racing track background. I also explored whether the AI could generate a seamless racing track background for the game.

Throughout this process, I observed that the AI provided significant assistance, allowing me to build an entire Mario Kart game in a fraction of the time it would have taken otherwise. However, it raised important questions about the depth of understanding needed when using such tools.

Conclusion and Reflections

While Cursor AI demonstrates remarkable capabilities, it also sparks concern about how relying on automated coding could impact programmers' skills. I managed to create a game without fully grasping all the code, which has its pros and cons.

Overall, I believe this tool can complement programmers' efforts but should be used with caution. Understanding the underlying code remains crucial, even as we embrace these advanced technologies.

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this tool and your experiences with AI in coding. If you're interested in what we should tackle next, let’s build a conversation in the comments!

Keyword

• Cursor AI
• AI code editor
• IDE
• Mario Kart game
• Python
• Pygame
• Productivity
• Game mechanics
• Code generation

FAQ

Q: What is Cursor AI?
A: Cursor AI is an AI-powered Integrated Development Environment (IDE) designed to assist developers in coding more efficiently through code generation and modification.

Q: Is Cursor AI free?
A: Yes, there is a free Hobby version of Cursor AI, although it comes with limitations such as a cap on completions.

Q: Can Cursor AI create complex games?
A: Yes, Cursor AI can generate code for games like Mario Kart by responding to specific prompts to enhance gameplay features.

Q: What programming languages does Cursor AI support?
A: Cursor AI primarily supports popular programming languages like Python and JavaScript, making it versatile for various coding projects.

Q: Are there any risks associated with using Cursor AI?
A: While Cursor AI can significantly speed up development, there are concerns about programmers' understanding of coding fundamentals when relying on AI-generated solutions.