Cursor Prompts for Faster Coding
Cursor's edge is codebase context — it can see your whole project, not just the open file. These prompts lean into that for real refactors and debugging, not just autocomplete.
Debugging
I'm getting this error: [PASTE ERROR]. Here's the relevant file. Explain the root cause before suggesting a fix, then show the minimal patch.This function behaves unexpectedly: [DESCRIBE BEHAVIOR]. Walk through the logic step by step to find where it diverges from what I expect.
Refactoring & Codebase Questions
@codebase How is [FEATURE/PATTERN] implemented across this project? List every file involved and how they connect.Refactor this function for readability without changing its behavior. Explain each change and why it's safer or clearer.Find all usages of [FUNCTION/COMPONENT] across the codebase using @codebase, then suggest the safest order to refactor them.
Building New Features
I want to add [FEATURE] to this project. Given the existing patterns in @codebase, propose an implementation plan before writing code.Write a [LANGUAGE] function that [EXACT BEHAVIOR], matching the style and error-handling conventions already used in this file.
Tips for Better Results
- Use @codebase or @file references explicitly — precise context produces far better answers than letting it guess what's relevant.
- Ask for a plan before code on anything non-trivial; review the plan, then generate — catches wrong approaches before they cost time.
- Use inline edit (Cmd+K) for small, local changes and full chat for anything spanning multiple files.
- Review every diff before accepting — treat Cursor's output like a fast junior engineer's PR, not a finished commit.
New to Cursor? Start with the step-by-step guide.
◆ HOW TO USE CURSOR