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.
TheretoWhere.com lets you visualize ideal housing locations in a city based on your personalized criteria. By inputting preferences like price range, commute time, proximity to amenities (parks, groceries, etc.), and preferred neighborhood vibes, the site generates a heatmap highlighting areas that best match your needs. This allows users to quickly identify promising neighborhoods and explore potential living areas based on their individualized priorities, making the often daunting process of apartment hunting or relocation more efficient and targeted.
HN users generally found the "theretowhere" website concept interesting, but criticized its execution. Several commenters pointed out the limited and US-centric data, making it less useful for those outside major American cities. The reliance on Zillow data was also questioned, with some noting Zillow's known inaccuracies and biases. Others criticized the UI/UX, citing slow load times and a cumbersome interface. Despite the flaws, some saw potential in the idea, suggesting improvements like incorporating more data sources, expanding geographic coverage, and allowing users to adjust weighting for different preferences. A few commenters questioned the overall utility of the heatmap approach, arguing that it oversimplifies a complex decision-making process.
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.