Using Cursor and VS Code as Hybrid
Introduction
This workflow is the one I use most of the time.
Cursor is where I do reasoning, planning, and high-level refactoring.
VS Code is where I edit, build, test, and run code.
Hybrid AI-Enhanced Development Workflow
This document describes a hybrid tooling strategy that combines:
- VS Code as the long-term stable engineering platform
- GitHub Copilot for inline coding and reliable patch application
- Cursor as a high-power AI-native refactor and reasoning workbench
- ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini for deep reasoning, data engineering, and architectural critique
The objective is to achieve maximum AI leverage without sacrificing long-term stability, reproducibility, or toolchain reliability.
Core Principle
VS Code is the anchor. Cursor is the accelerator. External LLMs are the research notebook.
If any experimental AI tool disappears, the core workflow continues unaffected.
Tooling Roles
| Tool | Primary Role | Persistence | Repo Awareness | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VS Code | Primary IDE, Dev Containers, debugging, language tooling | Long-term stable (Microsoft LTS) | Full workspace | Very Low |
| GitHub Copilot (GPT-4.1) | Inline completion and reliable Apply for small scoped edits | Ephemeral per session | Continuous repo awareness | Low |
| Cursor | Multi-file reasoning, large refactors, persistent AI chat | Persistent per workspace | Full indexed repo | Medium |
| ChatGPT (GPT-5.x) | Deep reasoning, mathematical modeling, research discussions | Permanent history | Repo via upload or GitHub link | Low |
| Gemini Pro | Data engineering, ETL, schema reasoning | Permanent history | Repo via upload or link | Low |
| Claude Sonnet/Opus | Architecture critique, conceptual synthesis, documentation drafting | Permanent history | Repo via upload or link | Low |
Setup Guide (Windows 11 + WSL + Dev Containers)
1. VS Code (Anchor)
- Install VS Code
- Enable WSL integration
- Enable Dev Containers extension
- Install GitHub Copilot extension
- Authenticate with GitHub
- Use GPT-4.1 as Copilot model
This remains the primary daily workspace.
2. External LLM Engines
Use Cursor’s Pro plan to access a fair amount of model requests.
- ChatGPT (OpenAI)
- Gemini
- Claude
Continue using the web interfaces for Ask type requests and reserve the Cursor model access for agent type requests. Agent requests are where you ask the model to do something with your code, not a general discussion of project or code directions.
3. Cursor (Accelerator)
- Install Cursor alongside VS Code
- Install Cursor Remote Containers extension (if needed)
- Optional: Install Cursor shell command for WSL
cursor .
Cursor opens the same repo, indexes it, and provides:
- Persistent chat per workspace
- Multi-file diff generation
- Local diff-based apply engine
- Direct use of GPT / Gemini / Claude subscriptions
Usage Protocol
Daily Engineering
- Open project in VS Code
- Attach Dev Container if needed
- Use Copilot GPT-4.1 for inline edits
- Apply small patches directly
Large Refactors
- Commit or stash changes
- Open repo in Cursor
- Run multi-file refactor with GPT-5 / Claude / Gemini
- Apply Cursor-generated diffs
- Commit results
- Return to VS Code
Research & Modeling
- Use ChatGPT GPT-5 sessions for SOC/QoG model development
- Use Gemini for data pipeline design
- Use Claude for architectural critique
- Archive outputs into Docsy documentation
Strategic Adjustments for Your Workflow
Based on your specific stack, the following refinements improve stability, reasoning quality, and operational safety.
A. The Julia / Python Rule
Since Julia is your primary environment for heavy data modeling, use ChatGPT (GPT-5) in the web interface for mathematical logic, proofs, and statistical model design.
GPT-5’s deep reasoning mode consistently outperforms fast in-IDE models for:
- Complex mathematical derivations
- Statistical modeling strategy
- Algorithmic correctness verification
IDE-based models remain best for implementation and refactoring once the logic is established.
B. Docsy / Hugo Persistence
Since you archive research into Docsy, use Claude’s Artifacts feature to draft documentation pages.
Advantages:
- Live Markdown / HTML preview before committing files
- Immediate formatting feedback
- Cleaner handoff into your Hugo repository
Claude therefore becomes the documentation staging environment, while Docsy remains the permanent record.
C. Container Safety Protocol
Critical Rule: Never attach both VS Code and Cursor to the same running Dev Container.
The safest 2026-era workflow is to use Git branches as the isolation boundary.
Procedure:
- Work normally in VS Code on the
mainbranch. - When a large AI refactor is needed, create a branch:
Advantages
| Category | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Stability | VS Code provides Microsoft-backed long-term support |
| AI Power | Cursor enables full-repo multi-file AI reasoning |
| Reliability | Copilot GPT-4.1 provides stable patch application |
| Flexibility | Freedom to use GPT, Gemini, Claude simultaneously |
| Reproducibility | External LLM chats provide persistent research record |
| No Lock-in | Repos remain standard git projects |
Drawbacks and Mitigations
| Drawback | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Cursor is a startup product | Medium long-term risk | VS Code remains anchor |
| Duplicate extension setup | One-time migration effort | Copy VS Code settings |
| Cursor indexing overhead | Short initial CPU/RAM spike | Allow first index to complete |
| Dev Container double attachment | Potential remote port collision | Only attach one editor at a time |
| Multiple subscriptions | Cost overlap | Use Copilot only for Apply |
Sustainability Assessment
| Criterion | VS Code + Copilot | Cursor |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term vendor stability | Very High | Medium |
| Extension ecosystem | Very High | High |
| AI integration maturity | High | Very High |
| Risk of workflow disruption | Very Low | Low-Medium |
Conclusion:
VS Code remains the permanent base layer. Cursor remains an optional high-power augmentation tool.
Operational Rules
- VS Code owns Dev Container sessions.
- Cursor performs large refactors on clean git branches.
- Never attach both editors to the same container simultaneously.
- Always commit or stash before switching editors.
- Archive research discussions in Docsy.
Executive Summary
VS Code ensures long-term engineering stability.
Copilot applies code safely.
Cursor accelerates large AI-assisted transformations.
GPT, Gemini, and Claude provide persistent research intelligence.
Together they form a sustainable, zero-lock-in AI development stack.