How to Build Your First React App Using Cursor AI in Under 60 Minutes

If you're a beginner looking to build your first React app, you might feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the setup and the coding. But what if I told you that you could create a basic React application in under an hour using Cursor AI? In 2026, AI tools have made coding accessible to everyone, and Cursor AI is designed to help you get started quickly, even if you have little to no coding experience.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Getting Started

Before diving in, ensure you have the following:

1. Node.js: Make sure you have Node.js installed on your machine. You can download it from nodejs.org.
2. Cursor AI Account: Sign up for a free account at Cursor AI.
3. Code Editor: Install a code editor like Visual Studio Code (VSCode), which is free and widely used.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Project

1. Open Your Terminal: Create a new directory for your project:

   mkdir my-react-app
   cd my-react-app
   

2. Initialize a New React App: Use Create React App to set up a boilerplate:

   npx create-react-app .
   

   This command initializes a new React project in the current directory.

3. Launch Your App: Run the app to ensure everything is working:

   npm start
   

   You should see the default React welcome page in your browser.

Step 2: Using Cursor AI to Generate Code

1. Open Cursor AI: In your browser, navigate to your Cursor AI dashboard.

2. Create a New Project: Start a new project by selecting the React template.

3. Ask Cursor AI for Components: You can prompt Cursor AI to generate specific components. For example:

   • "Create a header component for my React app."
   • "Generate a simple button component."

4. Copy the Generated Code: Once Cursor AI provides the code, copy it to your clipboard.

5. Paste into Your Project: In your VSCode, create new files for your components (e.g., Header.js, Button.js) and paste the code you copied.

Step 3: Integrating Your Components

1. Import Your Components: In App.js, import the components you created:

   import Header from './Header';
   import Button from './Button';
   

2. Use Your Components: Modify the App function to include your new components:

   function App() {
     return (
       <div className="App">
         <Header />
         <Button />
       </div>
     );
   }
   

3. Save and View: Save your changes and check the browser to see your components rendered.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Error: Module Not Found: Ensure that the component file names match what you have in your import statements.
• App Not Updating: Sometimes, the React app needs a refresh. Try refreshing your browser.
• Cursor AI Not Generating Code: Check your internet connection or try reloading the Cursor AI page.

What's Next?

Now that you’ve built a simple React app, consider exploring these topics:

• State Management: Learn about using React's state and props.
• Routing: Implement React Router for navigation.
• Styling: Explore CSS frameworks like Tailwind CSS or styled-components for design.

Conclusion: Start Here!

Building your first React app with Cursor AI can be done in under 60 minutes, even if you're a complete beginner. With the right tools and guidance, you can quickly move from idea to execution. Start by following the steps outlined above, and don’t hesitate to ask Cursor AI for help along the way.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we rely on Node.js for backend services and VSCode for editing. Cursor AI is a fantastic tool for generating quick snippets of code, especially when prototyping. However, for more complex applications, you’ll still need to dive deeper into React’s documentation.