Cursor is “AI Code Editor”
RapidNative is “AI App Builder”
Cursor is the best AI code editor for professional developers. It helps experienced programmers write code 30-40% faster. But you still need to know how to code. RapidNative builds complete mobile apps from plain English. No coding required. No IDE required. No programming knowledge required.
Cursor Is For:
Professional software developers- Engineers with coding experience
- People who already know JavaScript, Python, TypeScript
- Teams with dedicated development resources
- People comfortable in an IDE
RapidNative Is For:
- Founders who want to build an MVP
- Designers who want to create working apps
- Product managers prototyping ideas
- Entrepreneurs without technical co-founders
- Anyone with an app idea but no coding skills
The question is simple:
Do you know how to code?
What Each Tool Actually Does
Cursor — Cursor is a code editor (IDE) built on VS Code with AI deeply integrated. You write code, and AI helps you write it faster.
How it works
You still need to:
- • Understand programming concepts
- • Know the language you're coding in
- • Set up your development environment
- • Debug when things go wrong
- • Deploy your application
RapidNative — RapidNative is a mobile app builder. You describe your app, and AI builds it.
How it works
You don't need to:
- • Know any programming language
- • Understand code syntax
- • Set up a development environment
- • Use a code editor or IDE
Cursor is amazing. But it's not magic.
You've probably heard about "vibe coding" where developers describe what they want and AI builds it. Cursor is one of the best tools for this. But here's what the reviews say:
What Cursor requires:
Programming Knowledge Required
"Basic knowledge of JavaScript and SQL will allow you to unlock Retool's full potential." (Similar applies to Cursor)
Heavy Daily Usage
"Recommended for developers spending 4+ hours daily coding."
IDE Familiarity
"If you use VS Code, Cursor feels like home."
The reality
Cursor makes experienced developers dramatically more productive. It doesn't turn non-developers into developers.
If you don't already code
You'll spend weeks learning programming fundamentals before Cursor becomes useful. The AI assists coding; it doesn't replace knowing how to code.
Output Comparison
What Cursor Helps You Build
Anything a developer can code:
- •Web applications
- •Backend services
- •Mobile apps (if you know React Native)
- •APIs
- •Scripts and automation
But you drive. The AI is your co-pilot, not your chauffeur.
What RapidNative Builds
Native mobile apps:
- •iOS apps
- •Android apps
- •React Native + Expo code
- •Production-ready TypeScript
The AI drives. You describe the destination.
The Learning Curve
Prerequisite knowledge
Cursor
Programming (JavaScript, Python, etc.)
RapidNative
None
Time to first output
Cursor
Immediate (if you can code)
RapidNative
Minutes
Time to productivity (from zero)
Cursor
Months (learn to code first)
RapidNative
Hours
IDE familiarity required
Cursor
Yes (VS Code based)
RapidNative
No
Terminal/command line
Cursor
Yes
RapidNative
No
Deployment knowledge
Cursor
Yes (you handle it)
RapidNative
Streamlined (Expo Launch)
Feature Comparison
Primary function
Cursor
AI code editor
RapidNative
AI app builder
Input
Cursor
Code + natural language
RapidNative
Plain English only
Output
Cursor
Code assistance
RapidNative
Complete mobile app
Multi-file editing
Cursor
Yes
RapidNative
Yes (handled automatically)
Code generation
Cursor
Assists your coding
RapidNative
Generates entire app
Preview
Cursor
You run locally
RapidNative
Instant on phone (Expo Go)
Mobile app focus
Cursor
No (general purpose)
RapidNative
Yes (built for mobile)
Deployment
Cursor
You handle it
RapidNative
Streamlined
Code ownership
Cursor
Yes
RapidNative
Yes
Pricing Comparison
Free/Hobby
RapidNative
$0 – 5 daily credits
Cursor
Free – Limited requests
Starter/Pro
RapidNative
$20/month – 50 credits
Cursor
$20/month – $20 credit pool for AI models
Pro/Pro+
RapidNative
$49/month – 150 credits
Cursor
$60/month – More credits
Enterprise/Ultra
RapidNative
Custom – Custom limits
Cursor
$200/month – Heavy usage
Teams
RapidNative
—
Cursor
$40/user/month – Collaboration features
Note: Cursor switched to usage-based pricing in June 2025. Credits deplete based on AI model usage. Both use credit-based systems.
The difference: Cursor credits help you code; RapidNative credits build your app.
Do you want to become a developer or
Do you want an app?
Choose Cursor if:
- •You're already a developer or want to become one
- •You enjoy coding and want AI to make you faster
- •You have time to learn programming fundamentals
- •You want to build more than just mobile apps
- •You value understanding every line of code yourself
Choose RapidNative if:
- •You want a mobile app, not a coding career
- •You have an idea and want it built now
- •You don't have months to learn programming
- •You want to focus on your business, not syntax
- •You want professional-quality code without writing it
Can You Use Both?
Yes, and many people do.
If you're a developer who also wants to rapidly prototype mobile apps, both tools serve different purposes:
RapidNative exports standard React Native + Expo code. A developer using Cursor can take that exported code and continue building on it. The tools complement each other.
Quick Summary
What it is
Cursor
AI code editor
RapidNative
AI app builder
Who it's for
Cursor
Developers
RapidNative
Everyone
Input
Cursor
Code + prompts
RapidNative
Plain English
Output
Cursor
Code assistance
RapidNative
Complete mobile app
Coding required
Cursor
Yes
RapidNative
No
Best for
Cursor
Making developers faster
RapidNative
Making non-developers capable
Common Questions
Technically, yes. But Cursor assumes you understand what it's generating. When AI suggests code, you need to know if it's correct, secure, and fits your architecture. Without coding knowledge, you'll accept broken code without realizing it.
Ready to build your mobile app?
No IDE. No terminal. No coding required. Just describe what you want.
147,000+ prompts received. No credit card required.