Cursor Agent Mode: Rules, @Files, and Plan Prompts

Agent Mode Is Not Autocomplete

Cursor Agent can edit multiple files, run commands, and iterate—but only if your prompt defines scope, success criteria, and verification. Vague "fix my app" prompts waste credits and break unrelated code.

Scoped Task Template

"In this repo only: fix the login redirect loop after OAuth. Touch at most auth/ and middleware.ts. Do not refactor unrelated modules. After changes, run npm test -- auth and report results. If tests fail, fix once then stop and summarize blockers."

@ Context Discipline

Reference exact files with @file / @folder. Tell the agent what each file is for. If something is missing, ask it to request paths instead of guessing.

Plan-First Prompt

"Before editing, output a 5-step plan: files to change, risks, tests to run. Wait for my 'go' unless the fix is a one-line typo."

Project Rules

Put non-negotiables in .cursor/rules or project rules: package manager, test command, formatting, banned patterns (e.g. no new dependencies without approval). Agents follow persistent rules better than repeated chat reminders.