In December 2024, I authored an article sharing my experiences with two popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): VSCode with GitHub Copilot and Cursor. At the time, I concluded that Cursor was the superior choice for my projects, primarily due to its advanced features and familiar interface that mirrored VSCode. However, recent developments and a thorough re-evaluation led me to revert to VSCode as my primary IDE. Why I Initially Chose Cursor Cursor is an outstanding product, particularly noted for its intuitive interface that closely resembles VSCode. This similarity made the transition smoother and minimized the learning curve. Two key features stood out: Multiple LLM Integration: Unlike GitHub Copilot, Cursor allowed users to leverage various state-of-the-art language models (LLMs), enhancing flexibility and access to cutting-edge AI capabilities. Composer Feature: This feature enabled users to generate an entire project codebase by simply describing it through a prompt, streamlining the initial setup process for new projects. Why I Switched Back to VSCode Despite Cursor's initial advantages, VSCode and GitHub Copilot have made significant strides, ultimately swaying my decision to return to VSCode: Improved LLM Support: GitHub Copilot now supports a wider range of LLMs, including the recently released Claude 3.7 Sonnet on February 24, 2025, and GPT-4.5 on February 27, 2025. This expansion in LLM options significantly mitigates one of Cursor's main selling points. Jupyter Notebook Integration: As a data scientist, I frequently work with Jupyter Notebooks for exploratory tasks. While AI assistance in .py files is generally superior in both IDEs, VSCode provides more seamless integration for Jupyter Notebooks. It offers a "Generate" option when adding a new cell, along with the ability to chat with the AI assistant, referencing specific cells. This functionality makes AI assistance more accessible and efficient in a notebook environment. User Interface Familiarity: Although Cursor's interface mimics VSCode, reverting to VSCode means I did not have to reacquaint myself with a different UI, which is a minor but noteworthy convenience. Cost Considerations: GitHub Copilot costs $10 per month, whereas Cursor costs $20 per month. After evaluating whether Cursor provided double the value, I found that it did not, further tipping the scales in favor of VSCode. Professional Alignment: In my role as a Lead Data Scientist, using VSCode aligns with my professional workflow, which involves working with this IDE daily. While this is not the sole deciding factor, it contributes to a more cohesive and efficient coding environment. How GitHub Copilot Has Evolved Microsoft's acquisition of GitHub for $7.5 billion in 2018 has undoubtedly accelerated the development and enhancement of GitHub Copilot. Microsoft's extensive resources have enabled rapid feature updates, with new releases occurring weekly. For instance, the inclusion of the latest LLMs and enhanced Jupyter Notebook support have brought GitHub Copilot on par with Cursor in terms of functionality. Feature Parity: GitHub Copilot has caught up with Cursor in almost all areas. Features like composer and tab generation are now available in VSCode, ensuring that users have a comprehensive set of tools at their disposal. Community Adoption: The frequent updates and improvements have been widely adopted by the developer community, fostering a robust ecosystem around VSCode and GitHub Copilot. This community support and continuous innovation suggest a strong trajectory for the IDE. Final Evaluation and Recommendations While neither IDE is definitively better than the other, my reevaluation has convinced me that VSCode, bolstered by GitHub Copilot, is the better choice for my needs as of April 2025. Here are some key takeaways: User Preference: The choice of an IDE should ultimately depend on personal preferences and specific requirements. No single solution fits all users, so it's essential to try out different options and decide based on your own experience. Ongoing Improvements: Both Cursor and VSCode with GitHub Copilot are evolving rapidly. Keep an eye on feature updates and new releases, as they could shift the landscape in favor of one or the other. Community Influence: The developer community heavily influences the adoption and success of IDEs. Features that gain traction are quickly integrated into competing products, ensuring that the best functionalities become standard across the board. In conclusion, I've been using VSCode with GitHub Copilot for several weeks now, and I'm satisfied with the decision. Microsoft's commitment to continuous improvement and the IDE's strong community support make it a compelling choice for data scientists and engineers alike. While there may always be features unique to other IDEs, the rapid pace of development and alignment with my professional workflow solidify VSCode as my go-to tool. Industry Insights and Company Profiles The rise of AI-powered IDEs like VSCode with GitHub Copilot and Cursor reflects the broader trend in the tech industry toward integrating advanced AI capabilities into everyday development tools. This competition is driving significant innovations, benefiting both individual developers and large enterprises. Microsoft, with its vast resources and strategic acquisitions, is positioned to maintain a leading role in this space. Cursor, although smaller, continues to innovate and is worth keeping on the radar for its unique features and user-friendly interface. About the Author The author, a seasoned Lead Data Scientist with over seven years of experience using VSCode, offers practical insights based on hands-on use and beta testing. They are not affiliated with Cursor, VSCode, or GitHub Copilot and provide impartial evaluations of these tools. For more content on Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Engineering, follow the author on Medium, X, and GitHub. Happy learning! Note: All opinions expressed in this article are based on the author's personal experience. The images used are credited to the author unless otherwise stated.