The rise of “vibe coding” — the trend of rapid development using AI tools — has sparked intense debate in the developer community. While some criticize it for potentially compromising code quality, others are achieving remarkable efficiency. I’ve spent time observing these efficiency-focused developers, particularly those using Cursor, and I want to share the practical tips and techniques that actually work, beyond the hype.
You know Cursor, I know Cursor, we all love Cursor, right? Well… sometimes it gives us terrible suggestions, makes things up, or solves a different problem than the one you posed. I’m here to share some Cursor tips so you’ll get better and more consistent results from this AI coding tool, drawing from real-world experience rather than marketing promises.
1. Start with project-specific rules.
The first step to becoming a Cursor power user is setting up both global and project-specific rules. While global rules in your Cursor settings are great for general coding standards and language preferences, project-specific rules in .cursorrules files help Cursor understand your project’s unique context and requirements.
Global rules should cover:
- General coding style and formatting preferences
- Language-specific best practices
- Common patterns and conventions
- Personal coding preferences
Project-specific rules should include:
- Project architecture and structure
- Team coding standards
- Domain-specific patterns
- Testing and documentation requirements
For example, if you’re working on a .NET project, you can use templates from cursor.directory to set up appropriate rules. These rules help Cursor understand your project’s context and coding standards.
2. Document your project structure.
Before diving into coding, invest time in creating structured documentation. This helps Cursor understand your project’s context and requirements. Consider creating a Product Requirements Document (PRD) or similar documentation that lives in your codebase – this gives Cursor direct access to your project’s context and goals.
Key documentation elements to include:
- Product Brief: High-level vision and features
- Project Brief: Specific objectives, feature set, and success criteria
- Technical Implementation Plan: Detailed engineering gameplan
- To-Do List: Checklist of tasks in plain English
- Project Memory: A memory.md file to store accumulated context
3. Write effective prompts with context.
Effective prompting is crucial for getting good results from Cursor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Be Specific: Clearly state what you want to achieve
- Provide Context: Reference relevant files using @ (e.g., @MyComponent) or use @codebase to consider your entire codebase
- Break Down Tasks: Split complex tasks into smaller, manageable pieces
- Use Step-by-Step Instructions: Guide Cursor through the process
- Maintain Clear Naming: Use consistent naming conventions to help Cursor understand your codebase structure
4. Follow an iterative process.
A successful development loop looks like this:
- Plan: Let Cursor outline its approach before coding
- Code: Have Cursor implement the solution
- Test: Run tests and let Cursor fix any issues
- Review: Have Cursor review its own output for improvements
5. Try a few advanced techniques.
Prompt Chaining
Break complex tasks into multiple prompts:
- First prompt: Brainstorm approaches
- Second prompt: Write pseudocode
- Third prompt: Implement the solution
Progressive Refinement
When Cursor’s first attempt isn’t perfect:
- Ask it to review its own output
- Feed back any errors or issues
- Let it iterate and improve
Context Management
- Keep chats focused and short
- Start fresh chats for new tasks
- Update your memory file between tasks
6. Watch out for these common mistakes.
- Vague Prompts: Be specific about what you want
- Ignoring Context: Make sure Cursor has access to relevant files
- Skipping Planning: Always let Cursor plan before coding
- Long Conversations: Start fresh chats for new tasks
Cursor Tips from Vibe Coding
While the “vibe coding” movement has its critics, there’s no denying that AI tools like Cursor are reshaping how we write code. The key isn’t to blindly embrace every AI suggestion or to dismiss these tools entirely – it’s to learn from those who are using them effectively.
Cursor is a powerful tool, but it requires proper setup and usage to be truly effective. By following these guidelines, you can transform Cursor from a simple code completion tool into a powerful pair programming assistant that helps you write better code faster.
Remember: Cursor is an accelerator, not a replacement for your expertise. Your role is to guide and oversee, while letting Cursor handle the implementation details. The most successful developers I’ve observed aren’t those who try to replace their knowledge with AI, but those who use it to amplify their existing skills.