Which Is Better at Coding? Cursor AI or ChatGPT For Programming Comparison

Let's compare Cursor AI and ChatGPT to determine which AI tool excels at coding. Cursor AI, a specialized code editor, offers deep codebase integration and intuitive editing features, while ChatGPT provides versatile, conversational assistance across various programming tasks. We evaluate both tools to see which one delivers better coding performance and productivity.

For a step-by-step beginner's guide on setting up Cursor AI and launching a live, searchable website—perfect for those who've NEVER coded before—check out my 30-minute tutorial:

Cursor
The AI Code Editor. Built to make you extraordinarily productive, Cursor is the best way to code with AI.

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Key Takeaways:

✩ Code Specialization vs. Versatility: We explore how Cursor AI's code-focused design stacks up against ChatGPT's broader, conversational approach to coding assistance.
✩ Contextual Understanding: We compare how well each AI understands and navigates complex codebases, with Cursor AI's integrated approach versus ChatGPT's ability to generate and debug code from scratch.

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[petarstaynov]

There are global instructions in Cursor. Settings -> General -> Rules for AI
In Features -> Docs, you can also add URL links to documentation that can be used as reference when needed.
You can also add images to chats in Cursor. Just copy image to clipboard and Ctrl+V it in chat.
And for the "cursor thing" going down in long files, you can just manually copy/paste from the chat inside cursor.

[PeterParker-mgcb]

May I humbly and respectfully asked what screen recording tool you use? It doesn’t seem like it’s loom.

[jessicalewisjessielew]

All sounds good but how to provide my current project as a context when using chat-gpt in chat mode similar on how I chat with cursor AI while having the codebase as context ?

[superresistant]

From someone that start from almost zero, I see the point of disconnecting the code from the AI chat BUT :
- While I can use notepad or notepad++ for coding, I cannot use VScode at all. The jump from using notepad to VScode is the same as Cursor.
- I rather jump to Cursor directly than VScode because of the thousands of questions I have. The time saving from not copypasting in chatGPT most of the time is a no brainer (and I still have to use perplexity, chatGPT and Claude discussion mode).
In recent years, I gave up many times using VScode. Cursor made it just good enough for me to stick for the first time.

[-The-Darkside]

Subtitles say youre saying Chad GBT which is kinda hilarious.

[hedgeghogcn]

Corbin. It sounded like you would link to a video talking about how to customize CGPT. Did I miss it? Didn’t see it pop up during the video and I don’t see it linked here? I found myself creating a readme just for cursor and every time I used curator I’d start with saying “review the readme for context” which is very tedious. I like the idea of grounding the AI first which seems possible in CGPT?

[RJ.M.]

As others have mentioned, you completely missed the Ctrl-L function of Cursor AI.... Which is literally the chat function of Cursor, this whole verdict and conclusion is completely flawed?

[JJSeattle]

ChatGPT, Claude, etc. do look through your code and retain it for at least 30 days. I'm using Cursor Ai, because of your video I watched last week - I got the Business account. Very relaxing to use.

[humphuk]

What about using both? (says an ex-coder being tempted to get back in)

[swag]

Could you help clarify why I would choose to use Cursor AI over Claude AI? Cursor AI actually incorporates Claude 3.5, which is the same AI model available on their website. It even features a window for running basic code. Given these similarities, what makes Cursor AI particularly interesting or advantageous?

[multosakalye]

Thanks again, Corbin. I find that you're right in this. I've moved further along simply using ChatGPT as a separate helper on the sidelines. The output has been more thorough in my personal experience. Appreciate your realistic outlook on the current state of things.

[SuperMaDBrothers]

You only talked about ctrl+k functionality, not ctrl+L

[devalnath]

AI is supposed to generate different outputs, wdym it will be different in 3 models

[tuaitituaiti]

No hat today Corban? Many thanks for your content...

[softwarewithmovies]

Thanks for the video. I completely agree with you for now. 🙂

[deweywynn]

I felt totally lost when I jumped into cursor so this video was super helpful for me to decide if I want to invest in it or just continue with GPT.

[philly]

It really sounds like he's saying Chad GPT, lol

[BUSTABROWNohi]

it "looks" like vscode because it's a fork of vscode lmao