Code Editor Setup Guide¶

Quick reference for installing your code editor.

Choose Your Editor¶

Both options work well:

Option 1: Cursor¶

Cursor is VS Code with AI capabilities built in.

Install Cursor¶

1. Go to cursor.com
2. Download for your operating system
3. Run the installer
4. Launch Cursor

New to Cursor? The Cursor Documentation covers the interface layout, settings, and keyboard shortcuts.

Option 2: VS Code¶

Install VS Code¶

1. Go to code.visualstudio.com
2. Download for your operating system
3. Run the installer
4. Launch VS Code

New to VS Code? The Getting Started guide covers the interface layout, settings, and keyboard shortcuts.

Verify Installation¶

1. Open your editor (Cursor or VS Code)
2. Go to File → Open Folder and select any folder on your computer (e.g., your Desktop)
3. Confirm you see the folder's contents in the sidebar (left panel) — you should see files and subfolders listed
4. Try clicking a file in the sidebar to open it in the editor

If the sidebar shows your files, your editor is working correctly.

Open the Terminal in Your Editor¶

Once your editor is installed, you can use the terminal directly inside it. This is where you'll spend most of your time — running commands without switching windows.

The steps are the same for both Cursor and VS Code:

1. Open Cursor or VS Code
2. Press Ctrl + ` (the backtick key, to the left of 1 on most keyboards)
3. A terminal panel opens at the bottom of the editor

You can also open it from the menu: Terminal > New Terminal.

Install AI Extensions¶

After installing your editor, add AI coding extensions for the platforms you have a paid subscription to. You don't need all of these — just install the one(s) that match your accounts.

Claude Code¶

Requires a Claude Pro, Max, or Team subscription. The Claude Code extension connects your editor to Claude's AI capabilities.

1. Open the Extensions panel (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + X)
2. Search for Claude Code
3. Click Install
4. Follow any sign-in prompts

The Claude Code extension also includes an integrated terminal panel. See the CLI Setup Guide for CLI (command-line tool) setup.

OpenAI Codex¶

Requires a ChatGPT Plus or Team subscription. OpenAI's coding assistant extension for VS Code and Cursor.

1. Open the Extensions panel (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + X)
2. Search for Codex (by OpenAI)
3. Click Install
4. Sign in with your OpenAI account when prompted

See OpenAI Codex documentation for details.

Gemini Code Assist¶

Requires a Gemini Advanced (Google One AI Premium) subscription or Google Workspace with Gemini enabled. Google's AI coding assistant extension.

1. Open the Extensions panel (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + X)
2. Search for Gemini Code Assist
3. Click Install
4. Sign in with your Google account when prompted

See Gemini Code Assist documentation for details.

Troubleshooting¶

Editor won't open after installation?

• Restart your computer and try again
• Re-download the installer from the official site and reinstall
• On Mac, you may need to allow the app in System Settings → Privacy & Security

Extension not appearing after install?

• Make sure you clicked Install (not just searched for it)
• Check the Installed tab in the Extensions panel to confirm it's listed
• Try reloading the editor window: open the Command Palette (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P) and type Developer: Reload Window

Extension installed but not working?

• Check if the extension requires sign-in — look for a notification or status bar icon
• Some extensions need an API key or subscription (e.g., Claude Code requires a Claude Pro/Max/Team plan)
• Disable other AI extensions temporarily to rule out conflicts

Next Steps¶

• Set up Git (see Git Installation Guide)
• Install AI coding CLIs (see CLI Setup Guide)

Resources¶

• Cursor Documentation
• VS Code Documentation