10 Vibe coding with Cursor

 

This chapter covers

  • Using vibe coding to program through conversation
  • Cursor’s AI development environment
  • Building a retro arcade-style game using natural language prompts
  • Mastering context management and prompt engineering
  • Using AI agents for quick prototyping

You already know modern AI tools are revolutionizing the way software is developed. The tasks they help with range from simple code completion to conversational programming. At one end of the spectrum lies vibe coding. This approach uses natural language, letting developers guide AI agents with easy prompts instead of complex specs. Tools such as Cursor and Windsurf lead this trend. They offer immersive environments where AI can explore codebases, make changes across files, and run full workflows. You don’t need to be a programmer but only possess basic tech skills.

For software developers, these tools open doors for quick prototyping. They allow learning new technologies and creating projects where speed matters more than detailed documentation. While vibe coding shouldn’t replace structured practices for important applications, it adds value to traditional workflows. It helps you quickly validate ideas, explore new frameworks, and turn concepts into working prototypes faster than ever.

10.1 What is vibe coding?

10.2 What is Cursor, and why is it different?

10.2.1 The interface

10.2.2 Project-wide context and customization

10.3 First concept

10.4 The initial prompt to build our game

10.5 Cursor basics

10.5.1 Giving feedback

10.5.2 Adding context

10.5.3 Selecting a mode

10.5.4 Model selection

10.5.5 MAX mode

10.6 Results from the first prompt

10.7 Running our game for the first time

10.8 Making changes to our game

Summary