VSCode + Aider + Supermaven : STOP PAYING for CURSOR with this 100% FREE & Opensource Alternative

Introduction

In the world of coding, many developers often find themselves utilizing paid tools to streamline their workflow. One such tool that frequently catches attention is Cursor, which, despite being well-received, has seen criticism for its pricing and similarities to open-source counterparts. In this article, we explore a completely free alternative setup using Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Aider, and Supermaven, offering excellent features without the hefty price tag.

Understanding the Critique of Cursor

Cursor charges users $ 20 for features that many believe are basic, and it operates as a fork of VS Code, essentially monetizing an open-source project. This practice has raised questions about the ethics of paying for software that is built on an open-source foundation. In previous content, the author demonstrated how to transition from Cursor to superior, customizable, open-source alternatives, albeit with the need for API keys and cloud services. This time, the focus shifts to achieving a completely free setup.

The Plan

To establish this free alternative, we will utilize Visual Studio Code as our primary editor, as it is a widely adopted tool among developers. We'll leverage Aider for our coding assistance while steering clear of Cloud Dev. Instead, we'll tap into Google’s Gemini models that offer a free tier. The setup involves using Gemini for code generation and Supermaven for auto-completion without incurring costs.

Setting Up the Environment

Install Visual Studio Code: Begin by downloading and installing VS Code if you haven't already.
Configure Supermaven for Auto-completion:
- Open the Extensions panel and search for Supermaven.
- Install it and select the free usage option, entering your email to sign up.
- The auto-completion feature should activate without requiring payment.
Enable Aider via VS Code Extensions:
- Search for Continue Dev in the Extensions panel and install it.
- Access its interface, add the Gemini model, and generate an API key from Google AI Studio.
- Set the model to Gemini 1.5 Pro experimental for optimal performance.

Making Use of Aider and Gemini

After setting up, you can interact with Aider in several capacities:

Code generation for specific tasks (e.g., creating a game).
Refactoring existing code for better efficiency.
Discussing code snippets within the VS Code environment.

To further enhance the setup, the AER tool can be used for terminal-based interactions, which might not have an official VS Code extension but can be installed through simple commands.

Output: A Complete Free Coding Setup

With both Supermaven and Continue Dev integrated, developers can enjoy the benefits of auto-completion, code generation, and effective refactoring. This entire setup is fully customizable, allowing users to switch to other models as necessary while ensuring that costs remain non-existent.

Conclusion

This approach provides a reliable and cost-effective way to replace Cursor with a robust setup that many can utilize without financial constraints. For those who desire additional features, the incorporation of low-cost models can further enhance productivity.

Keywords

Visual Studio Code
Cursor
Open-source
Aider
Supermaven
Google Gemini
Code Generation
Auto-completion
Refactoring

FAQ

Q: What is Cursor and why should I stop using it?
A: Cursor is a paid software that many feel is overpriced for basic functionalities. It is a fork of an open-source project, leading to concerns about its ethical use.

Q: How much does Cursor cost?
A: Cursor costs $ 20, which many in the development community believe is excessive for its basic features.

Q: What alternatives do I have to Cursor?
A: You can use a free setup involving Visual Studio Code, Aider, and Supermaven to achieve similar functionalities without financial commitment.

Q: How do I get started with Supermaven and continue Dev?
A: Install them via the VS Code Extensions panel, create an account for Supermaven, and configure the Gemini model within Continue Dev.

Q: Can I use local models instead of Gemini?
A: Yes, you can opt for local models for auto-completion, but the guide focuses on utilizing the free features of Gemini for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.