Chapter 4
Tool practice: quick start with IDE-like tools
Installation, configuration, and basic usage of the three major mainstream AI programming tools.
GitHub Copilot
Code completion
A fast code completion tool, like an agile expert.
Core features
- Real-time code completion
- Multilingual support
- VS Code integration
- Team collaboration
Quick setup
Install the VS Code extension → Log in to GitHub → Start using it
Cursor
AI-first IDE
IDE designed for AI programming, with the most comprehensive features
Core features
- Skill system
- Agent mode
- MCP configuration
- Multi-file editing
Quick setup
Download Cursor → Import VS Code settings → Configure API Key
Windsurf
Fast Context
An AI IDE focused on large codebase analysis
Core features
- 1M token context
- Cascade Agent
- Fast indexing
- Semantic search
Quick setup
Download and install → Open the project → Wait for indexing to complete
Hands-on practice
Install Cursor
1Visit cursor.sh to download→
2Install and open→
3Import VS Code configuration (optional)→
4Try generating code with natural language
Create your first Skill
1Open Cursor settings→
2Enter Rules for AI→
3Add custom rules→
4Test the effectiveness of the rules
Use Agent mode
1Press Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + I→
2Enter natural language requirements→
3Observe AI analysis and execution→
4Review the generated code