I Built a .NET App Using AI (with Cursor) - This Is Amazing
Science & Technology
Introduction
In this article, I will share my experience using Cursor, an AI-powered coding tool, for .NET development. Over the past few weeks, I've been experimenting with Cursor, primarily focusing on developing client-side applications in JavaScript and TypeScript. However, I discovered that it also works immensely well for .NET applications. Let's dive into the details and see some practical examples in code.
Getting Started with Cursor
Cursor is an innovative IDE that is essentially a fork of Visual Studio Code, enhanced with advanced AI capabilities. The interface is similar, making it familiar for existing VS Code users. One notable feature is its ability to predict the next line of code based on context. Initially, Cursor might not have enough context to suggest accurate code, but it can be directed using specific commands.
To give instructions to Cursor, I used the Control + K shortcut, allowing me to reference other elements of the code to create meaningful code predictions. Additionally, a chat interface can be accessed using Control + L, letting us interact in a manner similar to using ChatGPT, where we can write prompts and retrieve generated code.
The Composer Feature
One standout feature of Cursor is the Composer capability accessed via Control + I. This allows you to write detailed prompts that can manipulate multiple files simultaneously. To illustrate this, I carried out a practical task where I needed to extend the functionality to send notifications to meeting participants after cancellation.
After drafting a high-level prompt and adding a few detailed instructions, Cursor generated the code needed to implement this feature. Although the initial code required some minor adjustments, it fundamentally captured the essence of what I needed. This process highlighted how providing quality prompts results in better outputs.
Generating a New Use Case from Scratch
Next, I wanted to create a new use case from scratch: a "Get Meeting by ID" functionality. By specifying the directory structure and general rules for implementation, I let Cursor generate the use case and verify if it followed my guidelines. I was impressed by how Cursor respected my guidelines regarding dependency injection and its EF Core integration for querying the database.
However, it faltered in registering one of the use cases with dependency injection in the program file. This issue arose due to my initial prompt being insufficiently detailed; however, after refining the request, Cursor corrected the problem effectively.
Refactoring Code with Cursor
In another instance, I needed to enhance performance by refactoring the previous code from EF Core to Dapper. Cursor efficiently handled the request, including registering the necessary data sources and executing the SQL query. While the injection of the data source didn't respect my previous instructions regarding constructor styles, I appreciated how it handled complex mappings for multi-entity projections.
Creating a New Entity and Use Cases
Lastly, I explored Cursor's ability to scaffold an entirely new entity called "Room." By providing a comprehensive prompt that outlined my requirements, I watched as Cursor generated use cases and the associated endpoints without requiring manual coding. The resulting entity encompassed the essential attributes and followed the required structure for endpoints and responses. I was astounded by how quickly and effectively this tool streamlined the process.
Conclusion
Throughout my experience using Cursor, I noted that the quality of my prompts directly influenced the efficacy of the generated code. Cursor has demonstrated its capability to aid productivity significantly in .NET application development. Ideally, I envision this kind of technology integrated with traditional IDEs like Visual Studio or JetBrains Ryder, which could further optimize developer workflows.
If you enjoyed this article, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to check out my courses on clean architecture and modular monoliths to enhance your software engineering skills.
Keywords
Cursor, .NET development, AI coding tools, Visual Studio Code, Dapper, EF Core, dependency injection, software architecture, software engineering.
FAQ
What is Cursor? Cursor is an advanced IDE based on Visual Studio Code, enhanced with AI capabilities to assist developers in generating code more efficiently.
Can Cursor be used for .NET development? Yes, Cursor can be utilized for .NET applications, providing various features that support coding tasks across multiple files and contexts.
How does Cursor improve productivity? By generating code from detailed prompts, automating repetitive coding tasks, and integrating seamlessly with existing projects, Cursor helps developers complete tasks much quicker than manual coding.
What challenges did you face when using Cursor? One challenge is ensuring that prompts are detailed enough for the AI to generate the desired code accurately. There were instances where the default behavior needed minor adjustments to align with existing project architecture.
Is Cursor better than Visual Studio? Cursor and Visual Studio serve different purposes; while Cursor focuses on utilizing AI for code generation, Visual Studio offers powerful debugging and project management tools. Combining both might yield the best results for developers.