Cursor offers a modern, AI-powered coding experience that can replace your JetBrains IDEs. While the transition might feel different at first, Cursor’s VS Code-based foundation provides powerful features and extensive customization options.

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General Migration Tips

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Extensions

Popular VS Code extensions that can help replicate JetBrains features:
  • GitLens - Enhanced Git integration similar to JetBrains
  • Error Lens - Inline error highlighting
  • Prettier - Code formatting
  • ESLint - Code linting
  • IntelliCode - AI-powered code completion
  • Project Manager - Manage multiple projects
  • Docker - Docker integration
  • Remote Development - Remote development capabilities

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Keyboard Shortcuts

  1. Install the “IntelliJ IDEA Keybindings” extension for familiar shortcuts
  2. Open Settings (⌘/Ctrl + Shift + J)
  3. Navigate to Keyboard Shortcuts
  4. Search for specific actions to customize
Common shortcuts that differ:
  • Find Action: ⌘/Ctrl + Shift + P (vs. ⌘/Ctrl + Shift + A)
  • Quick Fix: ⌘/Ctrl + . (vs. Alt + Enter)
  • Go to File: ⌘/Ctrl + P (vs. ⌘/Ctrl + Shift + N)

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Themes

VS Code themes that match JetBrains looks:
  • “IntelliJ IDEA Dark Theme”
  • “Darcula Theme”
  • “Material Theme”
  • “One Dark Pro”

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IDE-Specific Migration

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IntelliJ IDEA (Java)

Essential extensions:
  • “Language Support for Java”
  • “Debugger for Java”
  • “Test Runner for Java”
  • “Maven for Java”
  • “Project Manager for Java”
Key differences:
  • Build/Run configurations are managed through launch.json
  • Spring Boot tools available through “Spring Boot Tools” extension
  • Gradle support via “Gradle for Java” extension

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PyCharm (Python)

Essential extensions:
  • “Python” (includes IntelliSense, debugging)
  • “Jupyter” (for notebook support)
  • “Python Test Explorer”
Key differences:
  • Virtual environments managed through command palette
  • Debug configurations in launch.json
  • Requirements management through requirements.txt or Poetry

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WebStorm (JavaScript/TypeScript)

Essential extensions:
  • “JavaScript and TypeScript Nightly”
  • “ES7+ React/Redux/React-Native snippets”
  • “Vue Language Features”
  • “Angular Language Service”
Most WebStorm features are built into Cursor/VS Code, including:
  • npm scripts view
  • Debugging
  • Git integration
  • TypeScript support

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PhpStorm (PHP)

Essential extensions:
  • “PHP Intelephense”
  • “PHP Debug”
  • “PHP Intellisense”
  • “PHP DocBlocker”
Key differences:
  • Xdebug configuration through launch.json
  • Composer integration via terminal
  • Database tools through “SQLTools” extension

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Rider (.NET)

Essential extensions:
  • “C#”
  • “C# Dev Kit”
  • “Unity”
  • ”.NET Install Tool”
Key differences:
  • Solution explorer through file explorer
  • NuGet package management through CLI or extensions
  • Test runner integration through test explorer

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GoLand (Go)

Essential extensions:
  • “Go”
  • “Go Test Explorer”
  • “Go Doc”
Key differences:
  • Go tools installation prompted automatically
  • Debugging through launch.json
  • Package management integrated with go.mod

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Tips for a Smooth Transition

  1. Use the Command Palette (⌘/Ctrl + Shift + P) to find commands
  2. Leverage Cursor’s AI features for code completion and refactoring
  3. Customize your settings.json for fine-grained control
  4. Use the built-in terminal for command-line operations
  5. Take advantage of the extensive VS Code marketplace for additional tools
Remember that while some workflows might be different, Cursor offers powerful AI-assisted coding features that can enhance your productivity beyond traditional IDE capabilities.