Your AI-powered code editor for the course. Built on VS Code with intelligent assistance.
•A modern code editor built on VS Code - same interface, enhanced with AI
•AI code completion - get suggestions as you type
•Built-in Jupyter support - run notebooks directly in the editor
•Integrated terminal - no need to switch between apps
Ask questions about Python, get code explanations, and fix errors - all without leaving your editor. Perfect for learning!
Run course notebooks with better performance and features than Google Colab. See variables, debug code, and work offline.
Learn the same IDE that professional developers use. Skills transfer directly to industry work.
Edit code, run notebooks, use terminal, manage Git - everything in one place with your UV environment automatically detected.
Visit the official Cursor website and download for your operating system:
Download Cursor↗▸Mac: Open the .dmg file and drag Cursor to Applications
▸Windows: Run the installer .exe file
▸Linux: Follow the installation instructions on the download page
Navigate to your course folder in terminal and open it:
Cursor will automatically detect your .venv virtual environment!
You need two extensions to work with Jupyter notebooks. Cursor will usually prompt you automatically when you open a .ipynb file, but you can also install them manually:
Official Microsoft extension for Python support
Official Microsoft extension for Jupyter notebook support
Pro tip: When you first open a .ipynb file, Cursor will usually show a popup asking if you want to install these extensions. Just click "Install"!
Tell Cursor to use your project's virtual environment:
.venv in the pathYou only need to do this once per project!
✓ You're all set! You can now open .ipynb notebook files and start working.
Navigate through notebooks and course files. Click any .ipynb file to open it.
Click the play button (▶️) next to any cell to run it, or press Shift+Enter
Ask Cursor AI to explain code, fix errors, or help with exercises. It's like having a tutor built-in!
As you type, Cursor suggests completions. Press Tab to accept.
Open with Ctrl+` to run UV commands without leaving Cursor.
•Extensions sidebar: Click the blocks icon in the left sidebar (or Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+X) to manage extensions
•Command palette: Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+P gives you access to all Cursor commands
•Restart after extensions: If notebooks don't work after installing extensions, restart Cursor
•Dark theme by default: Perfect for long coding sessions!
This course focuses on Python for biology - we can't cover everything about the IDE. Here are excellent resources to learn Cursor and VS Code:
Comprehensive guide to the editor interface, shortcuts, and features
Getting Started with VS Code↗For this course: You only need to know how to open notebooks, run cells, and use basic AI chat. The resources above are optional but highly recommended if you want to become more proficient!
1.Ask Cursor AI: Press Cmd/Ctrl+L and describe your problem
2.Check seminar sessions: Bring IDE questions to the practical sessions
3.Course forums: Other students might have the same questions
Remember: You don't need to be a Cursor expert to succeed in this course. Focus on learning Python!