Java
Migrate from JetBrains IDEs to Cursor in minutes
This guide will help you configure Cursor for Java development, including setting up the JDK, installing necessary extensions, debugging, running Java applications, and integrating build tools like Maven and Gradle. It also covers workflow features similar to IntelliJ or VS Code.
Before starting, ensure you have Cursor installed and updated to the latest version.
Setting up Java for Cursor
Java Installation
Before setting up Cursor itself, you will need Java installed on your machine.
Cursor does not ship with a Java compiler, so you need to install a JDK if you haven’t already.
Windows Installation
Download and install a JDK (e.g., OpenJDK, Oracle JDK, Microsoft Build of OpenJDK).
Set JAVA_HOME and add JAVA_HOME\bin to your PATH.
macOS Installation
Install via Homebrew (brew install openjdk
) or download an installer.
Ensure JAVA_HOME points to the installed JDK.
Linux Installation
Use your package manager (sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk
or equivalent) or install via SDKMAN.
To check installation, run:
If Cursor does not detect your JDK, configure it manually in settings.json:
Restart Cursor to apply changes.
Cursor Setup
Cursor supports VS Code extensions. Install the following manually:
Extension Pack for Java
Includes Java language support, debugger, test runner, Maven support, and project manager
Gradle for Java
Essential for working with Gradle build system
Spring Boot Extension Pack
Required for Spring Boot development
JavaFX Support
Necessary for JavaFX application development
Configure Build Tools
Maven
Ensure Maven is installed (mvn -version
). Install from maven.apache.org if needed:
- Download the binary archive
- Extract to desired location
- Set MAVEN_HOME environment variable to the extracted folder
- Add %MAVEN_HOME%\bin (Windows) or $MAVEN_HOME/bin (Unix) to PATH
Gradle
Ensure Gradle is installed (gradle -version
). Install from gradle.org if needed:
- Download the binary distribution
- Extract to desired location
- Set GRADLE_HOME environment variable to the extracted folder
- Add %GRADLE_HOME%\bin (Windows) or $GRADLE_HOME/bin (Unix) to PATH
Alternatively, use the Gradle Wrapper which will automatically download and use the correct Gradle version:
Running and Debugging
Now you are all set up, it’s time to run and debug your Java code. Depending on your needs, you can use the following methods:
Run
Click the “Run” link that appears above any main method to quickly execute your program
Debug
Open the Run and Debug sidebar panel and use the Run button to start your application
Terminal
Execute from command line using Maven or Gradlecommands
Spring Boot
Launch Spring Boot applications directly from the Spring Boot Dashboard extension
Java x Cursor Workflow
Cursor’s AI-powered features can significantly enhance your Java development workflow. Here are some ways to leverage Cursor’s capabilities specifically for Java:
Tab Completion
Smart completions for methods, signatures, and Java boilerplate like getters/setters.
Agent Mode
Implement design patterns, refactor code, or generate classes with proper inheritance.
Cmd-K
Quick inline edits to methods, fix errors, or generate unit tests without breaking flow.
Chat
Get help with Java concepts, debug exceptions, or understand framework features.
Example Workflows
-
Generate Java Boilerplate
Use Tab completion to quickly generate constructors, getters/setters, equals/hashCode methods, and other repetitive Java patterns. -
Debug Complex Java Exceptions
When facing a cryptic Java stack trace, highlight it and use Ask to explain the root cause and suggest potential fixes. -
Refactor Legacy Java Code
Use Agent mode to modernize older Java code - convert anonymous classes to lambdas, upgrade to newer Java language features, or implement design patterns. -
Frameworks Development
Add your documentation to Cursor’s context with @docs, and generate framework-specific code throughout Cursor.
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