As 2024 is coming to an end, AI coding tools have changed the way we build apps. Three popular options - Bolt.new, Cursor, and Replit Agent - each take different approaches to AI development.
Let's explore how they compare and which one might be right for you.
Overview
Cursor
Cursor is an AI-powered code editor built on top of VSCode. It's designed primarily for developers, offering features like code generation, editing, and multi-file operations through Cursor Composer.
cursor.com website
Replit Agent
Replit Agent is an AI platform that aims to automate the entire development process. It handles everything from environment setup to deployment, making it accessible to both developers and non-developers.
replit.com website
Bolt.new
Bolt.new is a browser-based AI development platform similar to Replit Agent. It focuses on rapid prototyping and simple applications, making it ideal for quick MVPs and proof-of-concepts.
bolt.new website
Key features
Cursor
- AI code generation and editing
- Multi-file editing with Composer
- Deep integration with your development environment
- Customizable AI behavior through Cursor Rules
- Full control over code and development process
Replit Agent
- Natural language app description
- Automated environment setup
- Dependency management
- Database configuration
- Built-in deployment
Bolt.new
- Browser-based development
- Quick prototyping
- Simple deployment process
- Focus on small, straightforward applications
- Minimal setup required
Target audience
Cursor
Cursor is ideal for:
- Professional developers
- Teams working on complex projects
- Those who want full control over their code
- Developers looking to improve productivity
Replit Agent
Best suited for:
- Non-technical founders
- Developers needing quick prototypes
- Teams wanting to automate development
- Those who prefer a hands-off approach
Bolt.new
Perfect for:
- Non-technical users
- Quick MVP creation
- Simple application prototypes
- Those new to development
Development process
Cursor
With Cursor, you remain in control of the development process. The AI acts as an assistant, helping with:
- Code generation
- Bug fixing
- Feature implementation
- Code optimization
Cursor AI Pane
However, you'll need to handle deployments, hosting, and other operational aspects separately.
Replit Agent
Replit Agent takes a more automated approach:
- Describe your app in plain English
- AI sets up the development environment
- Code is generated automatically
- Deployment is handled for you
Replit Agent Interface
The AI manages the entire process, though this means less control over individual steps.
Bolt.new
Similar to Replit Agent, but with a focus on simplicity:
- Describe your application
- AI generates the code
- Simple deployment process
While great for basic applications, it may struggle with complex features or extensive customization.
Pros and cons
Cursor
Pros:- Complete control over code
- Powerful for complex projects
- Excellent for experienced developers
- Highly customizable
- Steeper learning curve
- Requires coding knowledge
- Manual deployment needed
- More setup required
Replit Agent
Pros:- Full automation
- Handles entire development lifecycle
- Accessible to non-developers
- Built-in deployment
- Less control over code
- Harder to debug issues
- May not handle complex logic well
- Limited customization options
Bolt.new
Pros:- Browser-based (no installation)
- Quick to get started
- Simple deployment
- Great for basic projects
- Limited for complex projects
- Struggles with database configurations
- Difficult to iterate on existing code
- Not suitable for large applications
Which one should you choose?
Choose Cursor if:- You're a developer wanting to improve productivity
- You need full control over your code
- You're building a complex application
- You want to customize every aspect of development
- You want a fully automated solution
- You're a non-technical founder
- You need quick prototypes
- You prefer a hands-off approach
- You need a simple MVP quickly
- You're building a basic application
- You want a browser-based solution
- You're new to development
Conclusion
While Replit Agent and Bolt.new make development more accessible, Cursor remains the most powerful option for serious development work. Although it has a steeper learning curve, the investment in learning Cursor will pay off for complex projects.