Choosing an IDE in modern software development greatly affects productivity and workflow.
For a long time, JetBrains' JetBrains AI, which has established itself as an essential tool for Java and JVM language developers known as IntelliJ, and the emerging development environment Cursor AI, rapidly gaining attention due to AI integration, are representative examples.
In this article, we will compare the major differences between these two AI-based development environments, from AI integration methods, natural language support, code understanding capabilities, autocomplete, to agent-based task completion,
and examine their strengths and which developers they suit best.
1. Difference in AI Integration Philosophy
Cursor AI integrates AI not as a simple feature but as the core of the editor.
The AI actively participates in the code writing process, providing a consistent user experience.JetBrains AI introduces AI functionality in the form of plugins to complement existing features.
AI requires explicit invocation and lacks seamless integration within the workflow.
2. Natural Language Commands and Interface
Cursor AI allows complex code writing requests using plain English sentences, naturally blending command input into the workflow.
For example, it can easily handle instructions like "Create a function that calculates the area of a rectangle."JetBrains AI is primarily chat interface-based, with limited integration of natural language commands.
3. Codebase Understanding and Context Awareness
Cursor AI automatically analyzes the entire project and offers context-aware suggestions,
allowing questions about the whole project via commands like "@Codebase."JetBrains AI mainly operates on open files and selected code, often requiring manual context setting.
4. Agent Mode: Automated Task Completion
Cursor AI supports an independent agent feature that autonomously finds context, executes commands, and fixes errors.
It can effectively handle repetitive tasks under developer supervision.JetBrains AI currently lacks such autonomous agent capabilities and only provides assistance upon request.
5. Code Autocomplete Features
Cursor AI aids smooth coding flow with advanced multi-line autocomplete, typo correction, and next cursor position prediction.
JetBrains AI also provides strong context-based autocomplete but tends to be conservative and limited in suggesting large-scale code refactoring.
6. Development Environment and User Experience
Cursor AI offers a lightweight, modern UI based on VS Code, optimized for AI-centered coding experience.
JetBrains AI boasts a full IDE experience with rich language support, advanced refactoring, and debugging capabilities, especially specialized for Java/Kotlin development.
Why Choose Cursor AI over JetBrains AI?
If you want superior AI integration and a smooth natural language interface
If AI-assisted coding is the core of your workflow, Cursor AI provides a more intuitive and powerful experience.If automatic context recognition and agent-based task automation are necessary
Cursor AI's ability to understand the entire project and autonomously handle repetitive tasks is a unique strength.In terms of cost, Cursor AI currently offers core AI features for free, while JetBrains AI operates on a paid subscription model.
Who Helps Write Better Code?
Cursor AI excels at rapid code generation and AI-based task automation,
while JetBrains AI is excellent at maintaining code quality with advanced static analysis, rich inspection tools, and refactoring features.
Therefore, Cursor AI is suitable for developers wanting fast prototyping and AI-centric coding experience,
and JetBrains AI fits those requiring robust development tools for professional and complex projects.
Conclusion
As AI reshapes the future of software development tools,
Cursor AI and JetBrains AI are excellent tools with different philosophies and strengths.
If you want to experience a new AI-based coding paradigm, try Cursor AI,
and if you need a mature enterprise-level IDE environment, JetBrains AI is a good choice.
Both tools continue to evolve, so future developments are worth watching.