Is Cursor immoral?

Introduction

Cursor IDE is gaining attention for its outstanding AI features, which include the ability to generate test files seamlessly and execute multiple commands efficiently. Unlike GitHub's Copilot, Cursor accomplishes these tasks end-to-end in a single command, making it an appealing choice for developers seeking to enhance their productivity.

However, Cursor raises ethical questions due to its status as a fork of Visual Studio Code (VS Code), which is distributed under the MIT License. When users pay $ 20 a month for Cursor, they are effectively paying for software that is built on 99% open-source code initially created by the developers of VS Code. All subscription revenue goes entirely to Cursor, leaving nothing for the original creators of the foundational software.

This situation is reminiscent of a personal experience I had while developing an open-source project. I had once taken an open-source project, made some slight improvements, and then closed it off to start selling it as a commercial product. Although the project later became a top application in a popular app store, the act of monetizing software that originally stemmed from open-source principles left me feeling somewhat uneasy.

This conflict raises an important question: is it right for Cursor to capitalize on software that was designed to be freely available? While Cursor certainly adds value, the ethical implications of profiting from someone else’s work cannot be ignored. This dilemma puts developers in a precarious position—enjoying the benefits of a powerful IDE while grappling with the morality of its business model.

Ultimately, as a user of Cursor, I often feel guilty about using it due to the potential exploitation of the original VS Code creators. While innovation and monetization in software are essential for sustainability, we must always consider the ethical ramifications of how we build on the foundations laid by others.

Keywords

• Cursor IDE
• AI features
• Visual Studio Code
• MIT License
• Open source
• Monetization
• Ethics

FAQ

Q: What is Cursor IDE?
A: Cursor IDE is an integrated development environment that offers advanced AI features, including the ability to generate test files and execute commands efficiently.

Q: How does Cursor compare to GitHub Copilot?
A: Unlike GitHub Copilot, which may require multiple commands to achieve similar tasks, Cursor can perform end-to-end operations in a single command.

Q: What is the origin of Cursor?
A: Cursor is a fork of Visual Studio Code, which is an open-source project distributed under the MIT License.

Q: What ethical concerns are associated with using Cursor?
A: The primary concern is that Cursor is built on 99% open-source code from VS Code, yet all revenue from subscriptions goes to Cursor and not to the original developers of the software.

Q: Is it wrong to profit from open-source software?
A: This is a contentious issue. While monetization can drive innovation, it raises ethical questions about exploiting the work of others who have created foundational software.