Cursor vs Claude Code vs Windsurf: Your Guide to AI Coding Tools

The Most Asked Question

"Which AI coding tools do you use? Cursor, Claude Code, or something else? And why?"

Developers ask this daily on X and in tech communities. The answer isn't simple—the best tool depends on the task.

Quick Comparison

Cursor: For Daily Development

When to Use It?

• Continuous development on existing projects
• Quick, repetitive changes
• If you're used to VS Code

Strengths

✓ Smooth editor integration
✓ Real-time suggestions while typing
✓ Multiple model support
✓ Smart code review

Weaknesses

• Limited context (few files)
• Doesn't execute commands directly
• Needs constant supervision

Claude Code: For Large Projects

When to Use It?

• Building projects from scratch
• Restructuring existing code
• Complex tasks needing full context

Strengths

✓ Full project understanding
✓ Executes commands and tests
✓ High autonomy
✓ Multi-file editing

Weaknesses

• Learning curve
• Slower to start
• Pay-per-use cost

Windsurf: For Quick Starts

When to Use It?

• Starting new projects
• Quick idea testing
• Limited budget

Strengths

✓ Affordable pricing
✓ Intuitive interface
✓ Good for beginners
✓ Common tool integration

What We Use at Noqta

For New Projects

Claude Code + Opus 4 for building the core structure

For Daily Development

Cursor with Claude for quick edits

For Review

Claude Code for understanding code and suggesting improvements

For Testing

Human review—no substitute!

Our Advice

The tool doesn't make the developer—the developer uses the tool

All these tools are useful, but:

1. Don't trust AI-generated code without review
2. Understand what the AI writes
3. Test everything

Our Services

Development Tool Consulting

We help you choose the right tools for your team

Tool Training

Practical workshops for using AI in development

Code Review

Auditing AI-generated code

Book a consultation to find the best tool for your project.