Cursor: SolidJS out, React in. The real reason?

Cursor, the AI-first code editor, has largely shifted its frontend from SolidJS back to React. This move, which became public last week, raises eyebrows. SolidJS is often praised for its blazing-fast performance. Apparently, raw speed isn't the only metric that matters anymore.

SolidJS is a JavaScript framework known for its extreme speed and reactivity. It promised a smoother user experience, less code, and more efficient rendering compared to React. Many developers consider it technically superior performance-wise.

Yet, Cursor decided to backtrack. The migration from SolidJS to React is mostly complete, as the team revealed last week. A technical step backward, perhaps, but a pragmatic leap forward for the company? So, is pure speed just a vanity metric on paper?

For a company, picking a framework also means choosing an ecosystem. React boasts a massive community, thousands of libraries, and most importantly, a much larger pool of developers. Finding people skilled in React is significantly easier.

Strongly hiring SolidJS developers is a niche market. This drives up costs and slows down development. So, while React might be a bit "heavier," its popularity offers practical advantages that often outweigh performance differences. It's a classic case of business pragmatism. Cursor's decision to migrate to React reflects a common business priority for wider talent pool access.

For the average programmer, this is a gentle reminder: trends come and go, but established tools often stick around. A technology doesn't just win by being "better" on paper. It needs a robust ecosystem and an available workforce.