Cursor IDE Integration

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor that makes it easy to integrate custom AI prompt rules. This guide shows you how to use OnlyRules with Cursor.

What is Cursor?

Cursor is a fork of VS Code that's designed from the ground up to be the best way to code with AI. It features:

• Built-in AI chat and code generation
• Custom rule support
• Advanced AI features like Composer and Tab completion
• Full VS Code compatibility

Setting Up Rules in Cursor

Method 1: Using .cursorrules File

1. Create a .cursorrules file in your project root
2. Copy rule content from OnlyRules
3. Paste into .cursorrules file
4. Save the file - Cursor will automatically detect it

Example .cursorrules file:

# React Development Rules

You are an expert React developer. When writing React components:

1. Use TypeScript with proper type definitions
2. Follow React best practices and modern patterns
3. Use functional components with hooks
4. Include proper error handling
5. Add JSDoc comments for complex functions
6. Ensure accessibility with ARIA attributes

## Code Style
- Use arrow functions for components
- Prefer const assertions for objects
- Use descriptive variable names
- Keep components small and focused

## Testing
- Write unit tests for all components
- Use React Testing Library
- Test user interactions and edge cases

Method 2: Using Cursor Settings

1. Open Cursor Settings (Cmd/Ctrl + ,)
2. Navigate to AI Rules section
3. Add new rule or import from OnlyRules
4. Configure rule scope (global, workspace, or file-specific)

Method 3: Using OnlyRules Export

1. Find your rule on OnlyRules platform
2. Click Export button
3. Select "Cursor (.cursorrules)" format
4. Download the file
5. Place in your project root

Best Practices for Cursor Rules

Rule Structure

# Rule Title

Brief description of what this rule does.

## Context
Explain the role the AI should take.

## Requirements
- List specific requirements
- Include coding standards
- Mention frameworks or libraries

## Examples
Provide concrete examples of desired output.

## Constraints
- What to avoid
- Performance considerations
- Security requirements

Rule Scope

• Global Rules: Apply to all projects
• Workspace Rules: Apply to current workspace
• File Rules: Apply to specific file types

Performance Tips

1. Keep rules concise - Longer rules may impact performance
2. Use specific examples - Help the AI understand context quickly
3. Avoid conflicting rules - Multiple rules can confuse the AI
4. Test thoroughly - Verify rules work as expected

Popular OnlyRules for Cursor

React Development

• React Component Generator
• TypeScript React Patterns
• React Testing Best Practices
• React Performance Optimization

Backend Development

• Node.js API Development
• Database Query Optimization
• Error Handling Patterns
• Security Best Practices

General Development

• Code Review Guidelines
• Documentation Standards
• Git Commit Messages
• Debugging Techniques

Troubleshooting

Rule Not Working

1. Check file placement (.cursorrules in project root)
2. Verify rule syntax
3. Restart Cursor
4. Check for conflicting rules

Performance Issues

1. Reduce rule complexity
2. Remove unused rules
3. Use more specific contexts
4. Update Cursor to latest version

AI Not Following Rules

1. Make rules more specific
2. Add concrete examples
3. Use clear, direct language
4. Test with simple cases first

Advanced Features

Conditional Rules

Use different rules based on file type or project structure:

# Conditional React Rules

If working with React components (.tsx, .jsx):
- Use functional components
- Include PropTypes or TypeScript interfaces

If working with tests (.test.ts, .spec.ts):
- Use describe/it structure
- Include setup and teardown
- Test edge cases

Rule Inheritance

Combine multiple rules for complex projects:

1. Base coding standards
2. Framework-specific rules
3. Project-specific requirements

Integration with OnlyRules Platform

1. Browse Rules: Find community-created rules
2. Fork and Modify: Customize existing rules
3. Share Your Rules: Contribute back to the community
4. Stay Updated: Get notifications for rule updates

Next Steps

• Explore more IDE integrations
• Learn about rule creation best practices
• Check out community templates
• Join the OnlyRules community