Product overview
Cursor supports a development loop in which you describe a change, let Agent investigate the repository, and review the resulting file edits and terminal output in the editor. That makes an existing bug, a bounded refactor or a feature with clear acceptance criteria a useful starting point. An agent can attempt tests and revise its work, but a completed conversation does not establish that the change is correct for your project.
Tab supplies suggestions while you type, including edits across multiple lines and navigation to related editing locations. For longer tasks, project rules can carry repository conventions: Cursor reads .mdc files under .cursor/rules, while AGENTS.md offers a plain Markdown alternative. Ask provides a read-only way to investigate before allowing edits. Keep these instructions focused on your architecture and verification commands rather than copying an entire codebase into the prompt.
What Cursor offers
- 01Search repository files and connect the relevant code to a development task
- 02Make coordinated file edits and inspect terminal results in the same workflow
- 03Apply project rules and use Ask for read-only investigation
- 04Accept or reject Tab suggestions and inspect Agent changes in the diff view
A practical workflow
- 01Record the current Git state and describe one change, its scope and the checks that establish success.
- 02Investigate relevant files in Ask, then give Agent the necessary context and focused project rules.
- 03Review file diffs and terminal output as work proceeds; reject unrelated changes and confirm the chosen execution settings.
- 04Run the project's own checks, inspect the complete diff and commit only the reviewed result.
Summary based on source material; product claims have not been independently tested.
What makes it different
Cursor brings inline completion, repository context and an editing agent into the same editor. Its practical value depends on how well that workflow fits your review process. Compare the final diff, verification results and required corrections on your own task; the official feature list is not an independent performance benchmark.
Who should consider it
- Developers changing an existing repository with available tests or clear acceptance criteria
- Teams that want reusable repository instructions alongside human code review
- People who alternate between small inline edits and larger multi-file changes
What to verify
- Check the selected Run Mode: some calls can proceed automatically, so do not assume every command requires approval.
- Review file, network and external-tool access before using a sensitive repository.
- Distinguish included usage from additional model charges and confirm the current plan and spending controls.
- Read the current Privacy Mode and retention terms; using an editor or your own API key does not make AI processing local-only.
Frequently asked questions
Can I explore the code without allowing changes?
Use Ask for read-only investigation. Switching to Agent enables an editing workflow; separately check execution and access settings before letting it act.
Do checkpoints replace Git?
No. Checkpoints provide local recovery for Agent changes. Keep Git for durable history and review the repository state before restoring or committing.
Does Privacy Mode mean code never leaves my computer?
No. Cursor's AI requests use its backend and model providers. Privacy Mode changes data-use commitments, with stated exceptions and model-specific conditions; check the current documentation and your team's policy.
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Product facts were checked against the official product website or its first-party documentation on Oct 28, 2026.
