Uncover how Cursor rewrites the rules of AI-assisted coding. In this Chapter, You’ll explore how this next-generation AI IDE turns the chaos of “just prompting” into a structured, collaborative loop where you and AI think, code, and iterate together. From your first setup to defining your team’s rules, you’ll see how Cursor transforms coding from a solo act into a duet.

Hello, Cursor

How Cursor redefines the code editor

The developer–AI loop

Cursor, meet Code

Pick the right Cursor mode

Options

Right Agent Mode

Not the Right Mode

Use the right Agent feature

Define the rules, shape the memory

Creating rules for your application

Invalid Rule

Valid Rule

Valid or invalid Cursor rules

Reimagining Software Development with Cursor

Now that you’ve met Cursor, it’s time to put it to work. This chapter explores precision prompting, context-rich collaboration, and intelligent refactoring. You’ll learn how to guide the AI like a true senior engineer by using file references, memory, and multi-file orchestration to complete complex, real-world tasks. From writing tests before code to debugging smarter, you’ll turn Cursor into your trusted development partner for clean, production-ready code.

Context-powered prompts

Grounding prompts with @ References

Mastering slash commands

One prompt, many files

Steps for a multi-file refactor

Reviewing multi-file changes

Test it, then build it

Testing with the Cursor Agent

Testing with Cursor Browser

Fix it smarter

Debug smarter with Cursor

Debugging with clear context

AI-Assisted Workflows for Production-Ready Code

Take your Cursor skills to the next level with version control, automation, and context-aware coding. Learn how to commit and sync code with Git, resolve merge conflicts using AI, and keep your projects secure with privacy settings. Finally, discover how to supercharge your workflow by creating custom commands, using multiple AI agents powered by Composer, and enabling advanced context tools like Max Mode and MCP servers for large-scale development.

Code, commit, and control what you share

Versioning and securing code in Cursor

Automating tasks with custom commands

The Agent Window and Composer

Running multiple agents in parallel

Debugging and planning in parallel

Working with complex codebases

Expanding Cursor's context

Connecting MCP servers for better context

Congratulations!

Maximizing Productivity and Ensuring Security

Cursor is a next-generation AI IDE that transforms how you write, debug, and ship code. In this course, you'll master Cursor from the ground up, starting with the fundamentals of the developer–AI collaboration loop and learning how to choose the right mode for every task—whether it's a quick inline edit, a multi-file refactor, or a full-featured build with Agent Mode. You'll learn how to craft context-rich prompts using @ references and slash commands, guiding Cursor to produce accurate, production-ready output. From there, you'll dive into advanced workflows: multi-file orchestration, Test-Driven Development with Cursor Browser, and smarter debugging through precise context. Finally, you'll unlock Cursor's full potential by integrating Git for version control, creating custom commands for automation, running parallel agents with Composer, and scaling to complex codebases using Max Mode and MCP servers. By the end, you'll have the skills to turn Cursor into your most powerful coding partner—boosting productivity, reducing errors, and adapting seamlessly to both personal and team workflows.

Build production-ready code with Cursor. Learn AI prompts, refactoring, testing, and advanced workflows.

Software Development with Cursor

AI Curriculum Manager, DataCamp

Cursor Rules

Types of Cursor Rules

How do Rules work?

Nesting Rules

Best practices of defining rules

Defining Agent instructions

Memory in Cursor

Cursor settings

How are memories created?

Less repetition, more creation

Let's practice!

Reimagining Software Development with Cursor - Define the rules, shape the memory

Define the rules, shape the memory

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