youtubeJanuary 6, 2026
Build and Deploy a Cursor Clone | Next.js 16, React, Convex | Full Course 2026
A complete project walkthrough for building a Cursor-like AI code editor using Next.js 16, React, and Convex as the backend—demonstrating how to combine modern web technologies with AI capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Build a functional AI code editor similar to Cursor from scratch
- Learn Next.js 16 patterns with React for the frontend interface
- Use Convex as a real-time backend database solution
- Integrate AI capabilities into a code editing environment
Tech Stack
| Technology | Role |
|---|---|
| Next.js 16 | React framework with App Router |
| React | UI components and state management |
| Convex | Real-time backend and database |
| AI Integration | Code assistance features |
What You'll Build
A Cursor-inspired IDE clone that combines:
- Code editor interface with syntax highlighting
- AI-powered code suggestions and completions
- Real-time collaboration capabilities via Convex
- Full deployment workflow
Why This Matters
Cursor popularized the concept of AI-native code editors. Understanding how to build one reveals the architecture behind AI coding tools—from prompt engineering for code context to real-time sync between editor state and backend.
Connections
This is the first note using Next.js and Convex in the knowledge base—it stands alone for now but establishes a foundation for future web development and AI tooling notes.