Cursor, a new IDE, now syncs coding preferences across machines. It utilizes a new protocol called MCP (Machine Configuration Protocol) to store and retrieve settings like themes, keybindings, and extensions. This allows developers to maintain a consistent coding environment regardless of which device they're using, eliminating the need to manually configure each machine. The aim is to provide a seamless transition between workspaces and enhance developer productivity.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: Cursor IDE now remembers your coding prefs using MCP" announces a significant update to the Cursor IDE, specifically regarding its handling of coding preferences. Previously, Cursor suffered from a limitation where user customizations, such as preferred extensions and settings, were not preserved between sessions. This created a frustrating experience for users who had to repeatedly reconfigure their environment each time they opened the IDE.
The post details that this issue has now been addressed through the implementation of a new feature leveraging something called "MCP." While the post does not elaborate on the exact nature of MCP, it strongly implies that it is a mechanism for persistently storing and retrieving user configurations. With this new implementation, users can customize their Cursor IDE experience, including installing extensions and tweaking settings, and expect these preferences to be saved and automatically applied upon subsequent launches of the IDE. This eliminates the previous friction and allows developers to maintain a consistent and personalized coding environment within Cursor. The announcement serves to inform the Hacker News community of this improvement and invites them to try out the updated IDE. Essentially, Cursor has transitioned from an ephemeral and somewhat stateless environment to one that remembers and respects user preferences, enhancing usability and overall developer experience.
Summary of Comments ( 14 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43506068
HN users generally expressed interest in Cursor IDE, particularly its local storage of preferences via MCP (Mechanism for Configuring Programs). Several commenters inquired about specific features like plugin support and remote development capabilities. Some praised the speed and responsiveness of the IDE, while others questioned its viability against established competitors like VS Code. The MCP configuration method also drew interest, with users asking about its interoperability with other tools and its potential for broader adoption. A few users mentioned existing similar projects and offered comparisons. Overall, the reception was cautiously optimistic, with many users expressing a desire to try Cursor and see how it evolves.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: Cursor IDE now remembers your coding prefs using MCP" has generated a moderate number of comments, most of which are focused on the technical details and potential implications of the new feature, MCP (Machine Configuration Protocol).
Several commenters express interest in understanding how MCP works, particularly its security implications and the potential for data leakage. Questions are raised about what kind of data is stored and how it's transmitted, emphasizing concerns about privacy and security. Some users are interested in whether the protocol is open-source and express a desire to inspect the code for themselves.
There's a discussion around the scope of the saved preferences. Commenters inquire about whether it saves only IDE settings or extends to project-specific configurations, like linting and formatting rules. This leads to a broader discussion about the benefits and drawbacks of syncing such settings across different machines and projects.
Some users express skepticism about the necessity of MCP, suggesting alternative solutions like using configuration files (e.g.,
.editorconfig,pyproject.toml) or existing cloud syncing services. They argue these methods offer greater transparency and control over the user's data.A few comments express appreciation for the feature, highlighting the convenience of having consistent settings across different devices. They see the value in a streamlined setup experience, especially for developers who frequently switch between machines.
One commenter mentions a perceived overlap with Git's functionality for managing project-specific configurations and questions the added value of MCP in that context.
The discussion also touches upon the potential for IDE extensions or plugins to leverage MCP, expanding its functionality and integrating it with other development tools.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of curiosity, cautious optimism, and some skepticism. While some users welcome the convenience of automatically synced preferences, others prioritize data privacy and control, expressing a need for greater transparency regarding MCP's inner workings. Several commenters suggest exploring alternative approaches that provide more control over configuration management.