How to Use Cursor to Create a Simple Web App in 2 Hours

Building a web app can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re a solo founder or indie hacker with limited time. But what if I told you that you could create a simple web app in just 2 hours using Cursor? Cursor is an AI coding tool that can significantly speed up the development process, but it’s not without its quirks. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps, share some honest trade-offs, and help you get started quickly.

Prerequisites

Before diving in, here’s what you’ll need:

1. Cursor Account: Sign up for Cursor at cursor.so. They have a free tier that’s quite useful, but I recommend the Pro plan at $20/mo for better features.
2. Basic Web Development Knowledge: Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript will help, but Cursor can assist you if you’re a beginner.
3. Code Editor: You can use any code editor, but I prefer VSCode for its extensions and ease of use.

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

Time estimate: 15 minutes

1. Install Cursor: Download and install the Cursor app.
2. Create a New Project: Open Cursor and create a new project. Choose a simple name like "MyWebApp".

Expected Output: A new project folder with a basic structure.

Step 2: Define Your App's Purpose

Time estimate: 10 minutes

Decide what your web app will do. For this tutorial, let’s create a simple to-do list app. This is manageable and demonstrates basic CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations.

Step 3: Generate Code with Cursor

Time estimate: 30 minutes

1. Generate HTML: Ask Cursor to create a basic HTML structure for your to-do list. You can say, "Create a simple HTML page with a title and an input field for tasks."

2. CSS Styling: Next, request CSS styling. Something like, "Add styles for a clean, minimalistic design."

3. JavaScript Functionality: Finally, get Cursor to generate the JavaScript needed for adding, displaying, and removing tasks. You can prompt, "Write JavaScript for a to-do list that allows adding and removing tasks."

Expected Output: A complete HTML, CSS, and JavaScript setup for your to-do list app.

Step 4: Test Your App

Time estimate: 20 minutes

1. Open the HTML File: Open your newly created HTML file in a browser.
2. Interact with the App: Test adding and removing tasks to ensure everything works as expected.

Troubleshooting: If something doesn’t work, check the console for errors. Cursor can help debug by suggesting fixes if you provide the error message.

Step 5: Deploy Your Web App

Time estimate: 30 minutes

1. Choose a Hosting Service: I recommend using Netlify or Vercel for easy deployment. Both offer free tiers.
2. Upload Your Files: Follow the hosting service's instructions to upload your project files.
3. Go Live: Once uploaded, you will receive a URL where your app is accessible.

Expected Output: A live URL where you can share your to-do list app with others.

What's Next?

After launching your app, consider adding features like user authentication or saving tasks to a database. Explore tools like Firebase or Supabase for backend services.

Limitations of Cursor

While Cursor is powerful, it has limitations. It may not generate code that perfectly fits your needs, and you’ll still need to understand the basics to make adjustments. Additionally, complex applications might require more manual coding than Cursor can handle.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we use Cursor primarily for rapid prototyping and basic web app development. It’s not a replacement for deep coding knowledge but a powerful assistant that saves time.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to build a simple web app quickly, Cursor is a solid choice. By following these steps, you can create a functional to-do list app in just 2 hours. Remember, the key to success is iterating on your project after the initial launch.

Start here: sign up for Cursor and dive into your first project today!