Generative AI is changing the way we work — and Java developers are not immune to that upheaval. AI-native IDEs like Cursor automate repetitive tasks, detect bugs and code errors, and speed up the development workflow.
However, writing code faster is only half the battle for more efficient Java development. Experienced and novice Java developers alike still face frustrating delays when waiting for builds and redeploys, which slow down their iteration speed.
JRebel solves this problem by eliminating redeploys entirely while maintaining application state. When you combine JRebel with Cursor, you accelerate your Java workflow from code generation to final testing, saving time and enabling innovation.
Read on to learn more about how to use JRebel in Cursor to accelerate Java development.
Back to topWhat Is Cursor?
Cursor is an AI-native IDE built on a VS Code fork. It embeds artificial intelligence directly into the development workflow. Instead of acting as a simple chat assistant, Cursor operates as an active collaborator that plans architecture, writes full functions, and refactors large blocks of code.
Is Cursor Good for Java Development?
Yes. Cursor has made a significant investment to improve Java support in the past year, including speeding up the Java Language Server Protocol (LSP) and contributing to the open-source VS Code ecosystem. According to Cursor, these updates deliver project imports that are 10% faster and reduce debugger scans from 5+ seconds to mere milliseconds in large codebases.
Back to topWhat’s the Difference Between Cursor and Traditional IDEs?
IntelliJ IDEA is a traditional IDE that relies on plugins to add AI features. The developer prompts the AI, and the AI provides suggestions. As of March 2026, Cursor is also available in all JetBrains IDEs, including IntelliJ IDEA, through the Agent-Client Protocol (ACP). The ACP is not a plugin; it’s an open source protocol that defines how Cursor and IntelliJ communicate with each other.
Cursor is an AI-native IDE. It operates autonomously to complete entire engineering tasks, including code completion, refactoring, error detection, and more. Cursor securely indexes your entire repository, navigates files, and runs commands directly in the terminal.
Can I Use Cursor in IntelliJ?
Yes. Developers who rely on JetBrains IDEs can now access Cursor through the Agent Client Protocol (ACP). This integration allows you to run Cursor agents directly inside IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, and WebStorm. You get the powerful AI assistance of Cursor while keeping the robust Java support of IntelliJ.
For many Java developers, this integration represents the best of both worlds. They can leverage the AI functions of Cursor and the robust Java support of IntelliJ IDEA, all without having to manually copy and paste code from Cursor to IntelliJ IDEA.
Back to topHow Java Developers Are Using Cursor
Java developers apply Cursor to automate routine tasks and redirect their energy toward complex problem-solving.
- Intelligent code completion: Cursor predicts your next lines of code based on class structures, method signatures, and surrounding logic. This reduces keystrokes and helps you build features faster.
- Refactoring: The AI agent analyzes your codebase for inefficiencies and suggests improvements. This keeps technical debt low and maintains a secure code structure.
- Error detection: Cursor identifies complex bugs, concurrency issues, and logic errors that traditional static code analyzers often miss.
- Autonomous agents: You can instruct the Cursor agent to add a new feature, and the agent will plan the steps, write the code across multiple files, and verify the results.
How to Install & Use JRebel in Cursor
Cursor is a fork of VS Code, so it supports extensions from the Open VSX registry. You can install the JRebel plugin in Cursor, Windsurf, Kiro, or any other VS Code fork using the exact same process.
Installing JRebel With the Open VSX Registry Extension
The simplest way to install the JRebel plugin in Cursor is through the Open VSX Registry. Follow the instructions in this video to get started or read them here.
Back to topFinal Thoughts on Using JRebel With Cursor
The combination of JRebel and Cursor offers a unique advantage for Java developers seeking efficiency and innovation. By integrating the time-saving capabilities of JRebel with the intelligent automation of Cursor, you can drastically streamline your workflow from code creation to deployment.
Start your 14-day free trial of JRebel today and experience seamless Java development.