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№1 Rules for AI

Using rules in Cursor, you can control the behavior of the underlying model. You can think of it as instructions and/or a system prompt for LLMs. You can use Cursor by two ways:

  • wrong;
  • correct.

Wrong examples of using Cursor:

   •  Using Cursor as a replacement for Google Search.
   •  Underspecification of prompts, not knowing how to drive outcomes and using low-level thinking of "implement XYZ, please".
   •  Treating Cursor as if it is an IDE, instead of it being an autonomous agent.
   •  Blissful unawareness of the concept that you can program LLM outcomes.
   •  Unnecessary usage of pleasantries ("please" and "can you") with it as if it were a human. If it fucks up, swear at it - go all caps and call it a clown. It soothes the soul.

Important Notice! The .cursorrules are deprecated and will be removed in the near future

 

Correct examples of using Cursor:

Inside Cursor, we have two main ways to customize the behavior of the AI to suit your needs:

1. Global Rules. Rules applied globally to all projects, configured in the Cursor Settings > General > Rules for AI section.
   
   Global rules can be added by modifying the Rules for AI section under Cursor Settings > General > Rules for AI. This is useful if you want to specify rules that should always be included in every project like output language, length of responses etc.
   
2. Project Rules. Rules specific to a project, stored in the .cursor/rules directory. They are automatically included when matching files are referenced.
   
   Project rules offer a powerful and flexible system with path specific configurations. Project rules are stored in the .cursor/rules directory and provide granular control over AI behavior in different parts of your project.

Here’s how they work

   •  Semantic Descriptions: Each rule can include a description of when it should be applied
   •  File Pattern Matching: Use glob patterns to specify which files/folders the rule applies to
   •  Automatic Attachment: Rules can be automatically included when matching files are referenced
   •  Reference files: Use @file in your project rules to include them as context when the rule is applied.

1) You are using Cursor AI incorrectly
2) Optimal structure for .mdc rules files
3) Examples of cursor rules

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