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VSCode + ClaudeDev + Continue : STOP PAYING for CURSOR with this OPENSOURCE & LOCAL Alternative

Science & Technology

Introduction

Everywhere I go, it seems there’s a buzz about Cursor. Whether on Twitter or YouTube, many users are raving about it, and it's becoming increasingly frustrating. When platforms like Ader or Claude Dev were released, they barely garnered any discussion compared to the noise surrounding Cursor. It feels like many of the users praising Cursor are unfamiliar with navigating GitHub or using other open-source alternatives, which can be frustrating. However, when a company offers a spoon-fed version for a price tag (around $ 20), the enthusiasm escalates inexplicably.

It's worth noting that Cursor is simply a fork of Visual Studio Code (VS Code), which is a popular and powerful open-source code editor that has been cultivated by numerous contributors. I find it troubling that a project would take something so robust, add a few AI features, and slap a price tag on it. What we need to realize is that it's entirely feasible to use open-source tools to achieve similar results while maintaining control over our data and enjoying greater customization.

In this article, I'll demonstrate how you can configure a setup that rivals Cursor in VS Code without spending a dime. You’ll be able to take control of your data, utilize local models, customize your experience, and avoid reliance on privacy modes that safeguard your data from being used for AI training. Another open-source editor you can consider is Zed, which recently added AI features but lacks multifile editing capabilities. Therefore, I'll guide you to create your own Cursor-like experience using basic VS Code with a selection of open-source extensions.

Setting Up Your Cursor Clone

First, install Visual Studio Code (if you haven't already). The two key extensions we'll be using are ContinueDev for code auto-completion and code-related chat, and ClaudeDev for multifile editing—something ContinueDev currently cannot do.

1. Installing ContinueDev

  1. Open VS Code and navigate to the Extensions tab.
  2. Search for "ContinueDev" and install the extension.
  3. Once installed, click on the ContinueDev icon in the sidebar to access its interface.
  4. Click on the "Model" option and then "Add." Choose your preferred provider (I recommend using Anthropic).
  5. After entering your API key and selecting the model, return to the chat screen to begin interacting with your code files.

You can generate code snippets directly from the chat interface or utilize shortcuts to insert code directly into your files.

2. Setting Up Auto-Completion

For efficient auto-completion, I recommend using a local model via the API from Anthropic.

  1. Visit the AMA site and download the appropriate version for your OS.
  2. Install the model you wish to use, such as the Qwen 2 1.5b model.
  3. After installation, send a message in the terminal to ensure it’s running correctly.
  4. Open ContinueDev, go to settings, and under the autocomplete tab, update the model name accordingly, then save it.

Now, you should have auto-completion functionalities working smoothly.

3. Installing ClaudeDev for Multifile Editing

Since ContinueDev does not support multifile editing, we’ll need to set up the ClaudeDev extension:

  1. Go to the Extensions tab in VS Code and search for "ClaudeDev."
  2. Install the extension, and you will find ClaudeDev in the sidebar.
  3. Click on ClaudeDev, go to settings, and enter your API key for authentication.

With this setup, you can now input prompts to create or edit code across multiple files with ease. Enter a request—like generating a simple Minesweeper game using HTML, CSS, and JS—and watch ClaudeDev work its magic. After reviewing and approving its suggestions, you’ll be able to see the generated code in VS Code.

The Benefits of This Setup

Using VS Code along with ContinueDev and ClaudeDev offers a better value proposition compared to Cursor:

  • Cost Efficiency: ClaudeDev supports prompt caching, making it significantly cheaper per task (as low as 7 cents for the Minesweeper game).
  • Customization: With this configuration, you can tailor your experience far more than with Cursor.
  • No Limits: Unlike Cursor, which limits requests, you maintain greater flexibility and control.

In conclusion, this setup rivals the value provided by Cursor without the recurring monthly fees.

Keyword

Keywords: VSCode, Cursor, ClaudeDev, ContinueDev, Open-Source, AI Features, Auto-Completion, Multifile Editing, Cost Efficiency, Customization.

FAQ

Q1: What is Cursor?
A1: Cursor is a paid fork of Visual Studio Code that incorporates AI features, but many users feel it lacks the depth and customization available in open-source alternatives.

Q2: How can I replace Cursor with free alternatives?
A2: By using Visual Studio Code alongside the ContinueDev and ClaudeDev extensions, you can achieve similar functionality to Cursor for free.

Q3: What is ContinueDev?
A3: ContinueDev is an open-source extension for VS Code that offers code auto-completion and chat features, serving as a viable alternative to paid tools like Cursor.

Q4: What is ClaudeDev?
A4: ClaudeDev is another VS Code extension that allows for multifile editing and integration with API models, enhancing the coding experience without needing a costly subscription.

Q5: Is this setup really cheaper than Cursor?
A5: Yes, this setup is cheaper. For instance, generating a code snippet developed using ClaudeDev can cost as little as 7 cents compared to a monthly fee for Cursor.

This configuration not only enhances development practices but also empowers users with freedom, flexibility, and economic alternatives to proprietary tools.