Cursor AI three AI modes and usage guide

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor that helps users write code efficiently without even mastering the programming language. Currently, Cursor provides three main AI modes:

• Chat (chat mode)

• Composer (edit mode)

• Agent (intelligent proxy mode)

Each model is suitable for different development needs.

1. Chat mode (AI chat assistant)

Chat mode is a more auxiliary tool. It does not directly modify the code, but provides explanations and suggestions to help developers understand the code or optimization solutions.

Applicable scenarios:

• Code explanation: parses the code function to help understand complex logic.

• Code iteration: When modifying the code, gradually adjust to ensure that every step is accurate.

2. Composer mode (code editor)

Composer mode is more automated than Chat mode. It can directly modify code and even create new files independently , greatly improving development speed.

Applicable scenarios:

• Project startup: Quickly generate code files to improve development efficiency.

• Quick implementation idea: If the requirements have been clarified and I hope to quickly implement the code, Composer is a better choice.

3. Agent mode (intelligent agent)

The Agent mode is the latest AI mode, with more powerful functions, higher context understanding capabilities, and able to execute terminal commands , which is more intelligent and efficient than Composer.

Applicable scenarios:

• Alternative Composer mode: Applicable to all Composer usage scenarios, but smarter.

• Suitable for beginners: Since the Agent mode requires little manual context selection, it is easier for beginners to use.

• More advanced code processing: If more accurate code modification and execution of commands are required, the Agent mode is a better solution.

Summarize:

• Exactly modify the code? Select Chat mode.

• Need to generate code quickly? Select Composer mode.

• The most efficient and intelligent automated code generation? Select Agent mode.