GoonAI Coding Tools Comparison: Cursor and Cline
In this article, we will compare two popular AI coding tools, Cursor and Cline, in terms of their features, performance, and usability. We will use a 240,000 token codebase to test their capabilities and provide a comprehensive analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.
Introduction to Cursor and Cline
Cursor is a proprietary Visual Studio code fork that has AI features, while Cline is an open-source Visual Studio code extension that can use your CLI and editor to help with complex software development tasks. Both tools are designed to enhance developer productivity and provide intelligent assistance.
Introduction to Cursor and Cline
Use Case and Bug Fix
The use case for this comparison is a live football or soccer prediction app that allows users to create bet slips and view their success rate without using real money. The codebase has around 240,000 tokens, and the first task is to fix a bug that prevents the search text box from focusing when the search button is clicked.
Bug Fix Solution
After analyzing the code, we found that the bug is due to react rendering complications. To fix this, we need to add a reinforcement code block to make sure the search text box receives focus. Both Cursor and Cline are asked to fix this bug, and we compare their solutions.
Search Functionality and Codebase
Cursor uses a vector database to search for embeddings of a user's request, while Cline uses a tree sitter variation to represent the codebase. We compare their search functionality and codebase analysis capabilities.
Commit Message and Costs
We commit the changes to git and calculate the costs of using these tools. Cline uses Visual Studio code's free GitHub co-pilot to generate a commit message, while Cursor also has an option to generate a commit message.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Cursor and Cline have their strengths and weaknesses. Cursor performed better in this comparison, but Cline has its own advantages, such as its open-source nature and lower costs. Ultimately, the choice between these tools depends on the specific needs and preferences of the developer.
