Introduction
Two months ago, I believed I had perfected my AI-assisted coding workflow using Cursor and its built-in agent. But then came Claude Code, a command-line AI assistant from Anthropic, and it changed everything about how I build software.
Why I Switched from Cursor to Claude
Cursor offers a great GUI-based experience for pair programming. However, Claude Code doesn’t rely on a graphical editor—it works directly in your terminal. It’s more flexible, smarter with context, and deeply focused on reasoning rather than just suggestions.
How to Set Up Claude Code
- Install via NPM:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
- Authenticate:
Runclaude
in terminal and log in to your Anthropic account. - Start Using:
In any project folder, runclaude
and start chatting with the agent.
Claude Code vs Cursor Agent
Here’s a detailed comparison between the two tools:
Feature | Cursor Agent | Claude Code |
---|---|---|
Interface | Visual Editor (VS Code-based) | Terminal/CLI |
AI Capabilities | Good code suggestions | Deep reasoning, multi-step logic |
Error Debugging | Basic | Advanced with full trace analysis |
Documentation Support | Minimal | Generates structured API docs |
Use Cases | Basic refactoring, quick edits | Refactoring, debugging, automation, documentation |
Best For | Students, hobbyists | Pro developers, full-stack engineers |
Where Claude Code Shines
- Debugs complex async bugs with better explanations.
- Creates complete documentation from scratch.
- Helps design DevOps pipelines with clear logic.
- Refactors legacy code with explanations for each change.
What Makes Claude Unique?
Unlike most AI tools that just suggest syntax, Claude explains the logic behind its actions. It communicates like a seasoned teammate—asking clarifying questions, outlining alternatives, and making thoughtful recommendations.
Who Should Use Claude Code?
If you’re building real-world apps, Claude Code is for you. Whether you’re a solo developer, a team lead, or an AI-first startup founder, Claude can be your co-pilot in code, logic, testing, and deployment.
Limitations of Claude Code
- Only available via terminal (no GUI).
- Requires an Anthropic Pro/Max subscription.
- May feel slow for quick edits compared to Cursor.
Pro Tips for Using Claude
- Use in Git repos—Claude reads version history to improve context.
- Ask it to generate tests or CI configs while coding.
- Split complex prompts into steps—Claude handles sequences well.
- Store its responses in a separate
claude.md
file for traceability.
Final Thoughts
Claude Code has fundamentally changed my development workflow. While Cursor remains a great GUI-based editor, Claude’s terminal-first AI design has proven better for deep work, full-stack engineering, and long-term maintainability.
If you’re serious about building in 2025, give Claude Code a try—it might just become your favorite developer partner.
Call to Action
Ready to upgrade your dev workflow?
Author: Hakim Siddiki
Blogger at AIDoodleScape | AI Tools & Coding Automation
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