Cursor vs Claude Code
Choose the Right AI Coding Tool.

Two powerful AI coding assistants, different approaches.
One fits your workflow better. Let's find out which.

AI Native Engineer Community Access

Tool Paralysis Is Costing You Time.

You've tried both tools but can't decide which to commit to learning deeply.

Switching between tools fragments your workflow and slows your productivity.

Without understanding each tool's strengths, you're not getting maximum value from either.

Understand the Tools, Master Your Workflow.

The AI Career Accelerator

Cursor and Claude Code serve different needs. Cursor is a full IDE with AI built in. Claude Code is a CLI-first agentic coding assistant. Understanding when to use each - or how to combine them - unlocks real productivity gains.

1

Understand Use Cases

IDE editing vs terminal-based coding

2

Match to Your Workflow

Visual editing vs command-line power

3

Leverage AI for Career Growth

Master AI tools to stand out

Meet Your Mentor

Zen van Riel

When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.

My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.

I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.

I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.

Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.

Career progression from Intern to Senior Engineer

Real Results

Vittor

Vittor

AI Engineer

Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months

"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.

I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."

What You Will Get

Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy

A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.

Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls

Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.

Portfolio-Ready AI Projects

Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.

Interview Prep & Mock Interviews

Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.

Resume & LinkedIn Optimization

Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.

Community Career Support

Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.

Limited Availability

Developers Who Master AI Tools Get Hired First

Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.

I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.

$120K+
Average AI Engineer Salary
Source: levels.fyi
90 Days
To Guaranteed Interviews
20%+
Higher Pay Than Traditional Devs

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Cursor and Claude Code?

Cursor is a full IDE (forked from VS Code) with AI capabilities built into the editor experience - think autocomplete, inline editing, and chat within your IDE. Claude Code is a CLI-based agentic coding assistant that works in your terminal, excelling at multi-file operations, codebase-wide changes, and autonomous task execution. Cursor is better for visual, interactive coding. Claude Code is better for large-scale changes and developers who live in the terminal.

Which tool should I choose - Cursor or Claude Code?

Choose Cursor if you prefer IDE-based development, want inline AI assistance while typing, or do lots of visual code editing. Choose Claude Code if you work primarily in the terminal, need to make codebase-wide changes, or want an AI agent that can autonomously execute multi-step tasks. Many developers use both: Cursor for interactive editing, Claude Code for larger refactoring and automation tasks.

Can I use both Cursor and Claude Code together?

Absolutely. They complement each other well. Use Cursor for your day-to-day IDE editing with AI autocomplete and inline assistance. Use Claude Code for bigger tasks like refactoring entire modules, implementing features across multiple files, or automating repetitive development workflows. The key is understanding which tool is faster for which type of task.

Do I need prior AI experience?

Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.

How much time do I need to commit?

Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.

How is this different from online courses?

Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.

What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?

You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.

What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?

Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.

Can I do this while working full-time?

Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Ready to Land Your AI Role?

Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.

30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available