3 Weeks With Claude Code: Here's what I learned

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Everyone's arguing about Claude Code vs Cursor.

The internet says Claude Code is killing Cursor. Or that Cursor is still better. Or that you need both.

I tested both on the same tasks for weeks. Here's what I actually learned: they're not competitors. They're complementary tools for completely different workflows.

The fundamental difference

Cursor is an AI-enhanced IDE. You drive, AI assists.

Claude Code is an AI agent in your terminal. AI drives, you supervise.

This isn't a minor distinction. It changes everything about how you work.

When Cursor wins

1. In-the-flow coding

You're writing code. You need a function completed. You hit Tab.

Cursor's autocomplete is instant. Claude Code requires you to switch context, type a prompt, wait for a response, review it, copy it back.

For moment-to-moment coding, Cursor has zero friction.

2. Quick edits and refactors

Highlight code. Press Cmd+K. Type "make this async."

Done in 3 seconds.

In Claude Code, the same task requires explaining the file, the context, the desired change. It's faster for you, but slower overall.

3. Tab completions and predictions

Cursor learns your patterns. It predicts what you're typing before you think it.

Claude Code doesn't do autocomplete. It's a conversation, not a copilot.

4. File searching and navigation

Cursor's codebase indexing is excellent. @-mention a file and it finds it instantly.

Claude Code's file search works, but it's more methodical—scanning directories, reading files one at a time.

5. Visual diff reviews

Cursor shows you exactly what will change before you accept. Side-by-side diffs, syntax highlighting, the works.

Claude Code shows diffs in the terminal. Functional, but harder to scan.

When Claude Code wins

1. Complex multi-file operations

"Refactor authentication across the entire codebase."

Claude Code treats this as a mission. It reads files, makes a plan, executes changes across dozens of files, runs tests, iterates.

Cursor's agent can do this, but Claude Code's context handling is more reliable for truly large operations.

2. Autonomous execution

YOLO mode (--dangerously-skip-permissions) lets Claude Code work for hours unsupervised. You start a task, go to bed, wake up to a completed PR.

Cursor's background agents exist but require cloud execution and have more constraints.

3. CLI and DevOps workflows

Need to deploy, run migrations, execute shell scripts, manage containers?

Claude Code is already in your terminal. It runs git, docker, kubectl natively.

Cursor requires opening integrated terminals or external windows.

4. Deep architectural reasoning

Add "ultrathink" to a prompt and Claude Code allocates 32K thinking tokens to reason through complex problems.

Cursor doesn't have equivalent explicit reasoning modes.

5. Codebase Q&A and exploration

"Explain how the payment system handles refunds."

Claude Code excels at reading, understanding, and explaining. It searches proactively, cross-references files, builds a mental model.

For onboarding to a new codebase or understanding legacy code, Claude Code is faster.

Real comparison: Same task, both tools

Task: Add rate limiting to an API endpoint.

Cursor:

• Cmd+K in the route file

• Type "add rate limiting"

• Accept the diff

• Manually add the dependency

• Time: 4 minutes

Claude Code:

• "Add rate limiting to the /api/users endpoint"

• Claude reads the route, suggests a library, installs it, implements the middleware, updates tests, commits

• Time: 8 minutes, but I didn't touch my keyboard

For simple tasks, Cursor is faster. For complete implementations, Claude Code does more.

The real answer: Use both

Here's my actual workflow:

I use Cursor as my IDE. I launch Claude Code when I need an agent.

Cost comparison

Cursor Pro: $20/month (flat rate, usage caps apply)

Claude Code Pro: $20/month (lower caps)

Claude Code Max: $100-200/month (heavy usage)

If you're coding 40+ hours/week with AI, you'll likely pay $100-200/month regardless of which tool you choose. The "cheap" $20 plans have limits that serious developers hit by mid-month.

The bottom line

Stop asking "which is better?"

Ask "what am I doing right now?"

Editing code → Cursor Running agents → Claude Code Both → Both

The $9.9B question isn't whether Cursor or Claude Code wins. It's whether you're using the right tool for each task.

Catch you tomorrow.

If this clarified the Claude Code vs Cursor debate for you, share it with a developer who's still trying to pick one.