How to Integrate Cursor with GitHub in 30 Minutes

If you’re a solo founder or indie hacker, you know the struggle of managing your code repositories efficiently. With so many tools available, it can feel overwhelming to find the right fit. Enter Cursor, a powerful AI coding tool that can help streamline your coding workflow, especially when integrated with GitHub. This tutorial will guide you through integrating Cursor with GitHub in just 30 minutes, so you can focus on building your projects instead of wrestling with your tools.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the integration, make sure you have the following:

• A Cursor account (Free tier available)
• A GitHub account
• Basic understanding of Git and GitHub
• A project repository on GitHub

Step 1: Set Up Your Cursor Account

1. Sign Up for Cursor: If you haven’t already, go to Cursor’s website and create an account. The free tier provides access to basic features, which is great for indie hackers.
2. Download the Cursor App: Install the Cursor application on your machine. It’s available for both Windows and Mac.

Expected Output: You should be logged into your Cursor account and have the app running on your machine.

Step 2: Connect Cursor to GitHub

1. Open Cursor: Launch the Cursor app.
2. Navigate to Integrations: Click on the settings gear icon in the top-right corner and select “Integrations.”
3. Authorize GitHub: Click on the GitHub integration option. You will be prompted to sign in to your GitHub account and authorize Cursor to access your repositories.

Expected Output: Cursor should now be connected to your GitHub account, allowing you to access and manage your repositories directly from Cursor.

Step 3: Configure Your Project Environment

1. Select Your Repository: Within Cursor, navigate to the GitHub section and select the repository you want to work on.
2. Set Up Environment Variables: If your project requires specific environment variables, configure them in the Cursor settings to ensure a seamless coding experience.

Expected Output: Your selected repository is now ready for coding in Cursor with the necessary configurations.

Step 4: Start Coding with Cursor

1. Use AI Suggestions: Begin writing code in Cursor. The AI will provide suggestions based on your coding context, which can significantly speed up your development process.
2. Commit Changes: Once you’re satisfied with your code, use the Git integration in Cursor to commit and push changes directly to your GitHub repository.

Expected Output: Your code changes should be committed to the GitHub repository without any manual Git commands.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Authorization Errors: If you encounter issues while authorizing GitHub, ensure that your GitHub account has the necessary permissions for the repositories you want to access.
• AI Suggestions Not Appearing: If Cursor isn’t providing suggestions, double-check that you’re working within a recognized programming language file (like .js, .py, etc.).

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve integrated Cursor with GitHub, consider exploring Cursor’s advanced features like project templates and collaborative coding. You can also check out our podcast, Built This Week, where we discuss tools like Cursor and share insights on building effectively.

Pricing Breakdown for Cursor

| Plan | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | |-------------|---------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Free | $0 | Beginners and side projects | Limited features, no priority support | | Pro | $15/mo | Freelancers and indie hackers| Some advanced features missing | | Team | $49/mo | Small teams | Limited user management features |

Conclusion

Integrating Cursor with GitHub can save you time and boost your productivity as a solo founder or side project builder. Start with the free tier to get a feel for the tool, and consider upgrading as your needs grow.

If you’re looking for a tool that enhances your coding experience while keeping your workflow efficient, Cursor is worth trying out.