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Zed AI (Upgraded) + Supermaven : STOP PAYING for CURSOR with this FREE & OPENSOURCE Alternative

Science & Technology

Introduction

In the world of code editors and AI-driven development environments, Zed stands out as an exceptional alternative to paid tools like Cursor. With its open-source framework and powerful customization options, Zed is a versatile code editor offering features that cater to developers looking for cost-effective solutions.

Overview of Zed

Zed provides a straightforward and simple interface for managing projects. Once installed, users can easily navigate through their work environments and access the built-in AI features. To unlock these advanced capabilities, you'll need to create a Zed account, after which you can access its AI tools and models.

Accessing AI Features

To get the most out of your Zed experience, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to Zed: Create an account and sign in to begin utilizing the AI features.
  2. Open the Assistant Panel: Use Command + R or select the assistant panel option to access it.
  3. Model Configuration: Click on the configure option to update API keys from providers like Anthropic and Gemini. By signing in, you can access basic models, including the Claude 3.5 Sonet model at no cost.

Utilizing AI Models

Once you've configured your models, you can initiate simple chats and customize system prompts for better AI responses. By hitting the slash key (/), you can see multiple options for leveraging Zed's AI capabilities:

  • Diagnostics: Pulls diagnostic information from your codebase.
  • Prompt Selection: Choose from saved prompts for frequent use.
  • Workflow: Similar to a composer feature, propose changes for files.
  • Terminal Integration: Send terminal output for immediate reference.
  • Symbol Reference: Access file symbols for precise coding assistance.
  • Default Prompt: Send generic prompts for varied queries.
  • File Upload: Discuss specific files by uploading them.
  • Tab Context: Adds currently open files to the context for better results.

Inline Assistance

Inline assistance can be activated by hitting Control + Enter. This feature offers code generation, refactoring, or editing capabilities by entering your desired changes directly. For more complex workflows, use the slw workflow command to interactively build and modify multifile projects.

Example Workflow

Suppose you want to create an arcade space shooter game using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Simply enter the project request in the workflow mode, and Zed will propose changes. Review and accept these changes to see your application come to life instantly!

Final Touch: Autocompletion with Supermaven

To enhance your coding experience further, integrate Supermaven for autocompletion. It’s a fast, free tool that mimics the functionality of paid alternatives like Cursor. Access the settings, change the inline completion provider to Supermaven, and sign in to get started.

Why Zed?

Supporting open-source initiatives like Zed not only fosters community-driven development but also presents developers with limitless possibilities to harness AI without financial constraints. With plans for potential further enhancements, Zed’s AI features and flexibility put it in a league many paid tools will struggle to compete with.

Conclusion

Zed is a powerful and cost-effective alternative to tools like Cursor that provide AI features for coding. Its open-source status, combined with the integration of Supermaven, positions it as a leading choice for developers seeking innovative, budget-friendly solutions.

Keywords

Zed, AI features, open-source, Cursor alternative, Supermaven, autocompletion, code editor, workflow, coding assistance, free tools.

FAQ

  1. What is Zed?

    • Zed is an open-source code editor that integrates AI features to assist developers in their coding tasks.

  2. How much does Zed cost?

    • Zed is free to use, offering powerful features without the financial burden associated with tools like Cursor.

  3. What is Supermaven?

    • Supermaven is an autocompletion tool that integrates with Zed, providing fast code completion similar to paid services.

  4. Can I customize Zed?

    • Yes, Zed is highly customizable, allowing users to configure APIs and create tailored workflows.

  5. Is there a way to access models in Zed?

    • Yes, by signing in with a Zed account, you can access basic AI models like Claude 3.5 Sonet for free.