Cursor AI Masterclass: How to Vibe Code Your First App (2025 Guide)

If you have been following the “Vibe Coding” trend, you know that Cursor is currently the weapon of choice for AI-native developers. It looks like VS Code, it feels like VS Code, but it has a superpower: it understands your code better than you do.

But simply installing Cursor isn't enough. To truly unlock its power—to become a “10x Developer”—you need to master its workflows. You need to stop treating it like a chatbot and start treating it like a pair programmer.

In this masterclass, we will go beyond the basics. We will cover the installation, the “Composer” agent, context management, and a step-by-step guide to building a real application using the Vibe Coding philosophy.

Part 1: The Setup (Migration made Easy)

Many developers hesitate to switch because they dread setting up their environment again. Cursor solves this beautifully.

1. Download & Install: Grab the installer from cursor.sh.
2. The “One-Click” Import: On the very first launch, Cursor will ask: “Do you want to import your VS Code extensions, settings, and keybindings?” Click Yes.
* This is crucial. It instantly brings over your themes, your shortcuts, and your muscle memory. You will feel right at home immediately.
3. Connect Intelligence: Sign in with your GitHub account. If you have a paid OpenAI or Anthropic key, you can add it, but Cursor's Pro plan (which uses their custom fast models) is highly recommended for the best experience.

Part 2: The Core Workflow (Cmd+K vs. Cmd+I)

Cursor has two main AI interactions. Knowing when to use which is the key to speed.

1. The Inline Edit (Cmd+K / Ctrl+K)

Use this for tactical, single-file changes.
* Highlight a block of code.
* Press `Cmd+K`.
* Type: “Refactor this to use async/await” or “Add error handling.”
Cursor modifies the code in place*. You see a diff, and you can accept or reject it.

2. The Composer (Cmd+I / Ctrl+I)

Use this for strategic, multi-file features. This is the “Vibe Coding” mode.
* Press `Cmd+I` to open the Composer pane.
* Type: “Create a new component called `UserCard.tsx` and update the `App.tsx` to display a list of these cards fetching data from JSONPlaceholder.”
* Magic happens: Composer will create the new file, write the code, AND update the existing file to import and use it. It handles the dependencies and the connections for you.

Part 3: Context is King (The @ Symbols)

The biggest mistake beginners make is asking vague questions. Cursor is smart, but it's not psychic. You need to feed it context using the `@` symbol.

@Codebase: This is the most powerful command. It tells Cursor to scan your entire* project to answer the question.
Example:* “@Codebase where is the user authentication logic handled?”
* @Files: Reference specific files to focus the AI's attention.
Example:* “Look at @Header.tsx and make @Footer.tsx match its styling.”
* @Docs: Cursor has a built-in library of documentation for popular frameworks (Next.js, Tailwind, Stripe, etc.).
Example:* “How do I create a webhook using @Stripe?”
* @Web: Forces Cursor to search the live internet for the latest information (great for new libraries that came out after the AI's training cutoff).

Part 4: The Secret Weapon (.cursorrules)

If you want Cursor to code exactly like you, you need a `.cursorrules` file. Create this file in the root of your project. It acts as a permanent system prompt for the AI.

Example .cursorrules:
“`markdown
– You are an expert Senior React Developer.
– Always use TypeScript.
– Use functional components with hooks.
– Style with Tailwind CSS.
– Prefer ‘const' over ‘let'.
– Do not include comments unless the logic is extremely complex.
– Keep responses concise and code-focused.
“`
With this file in place, you never have to repeat “Use TypeScript” or “Use Tailwind” ever again. The AI just knows.

Part 5: Let's Build (A Practical Vibe Coding Example)

Let's say we want to build a “Pomodoro Timer” app.

Traditional Way:
1. Create `Timer.tsx`.
2. Write the state logic for minutes and seconds.
3. Write the `useEffect` for the interval.
4. Write the HTML for the buttons.
5. Style it with CSS.
6. Debug why the timer doesn't stop when it hits 0.

The Cursor Way (Vibe Coding):
1. Open Composer (`Cmd+I`).
2. Prompt: “Create a Pomodoro Timer component. It should have a 25-minute countdown, Start/Pause/Reset buttons, and a sound notification when time is up. Use Tailwind for a modern, dark-mode aesthetic. Update App.tsx to show it.”
3. Review: Cursor generates the files. You run the app.
4. Refine: You notice the buttons are too small.
5. Prompt (Cmd+K): Highlight buttons. “Make these buttons larger and add a hover effect.”
6. Done.

Conclusion

Cursor AI is more than just a tool; it is a force multiplier. It allows a single developer to do the work of a small team. It removes the friction of syntax and allows you to focus on the product.

At BYS Marketing, we leverage tools like Cursor to prototype rapidly and deliver high-quality software for our clients. We believe that in the AI era, speed and quality are not mutually exclusive—they are expected.

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