Using Cursor well = fast, clean code.
Using it wrong = Al spaghetti you'll be cleaning up all week.
Here's how to actually use it right:

1. Set 5-10 clear project rules upfront so Cursor knows yourstructure
   and constraints. Try/generate rules for existing codebases.
2. Be specific in prompts. Spell out tech stack, behavior, and constraints
   like a mini spec.
3. Work file by file;generate, test, and review in small, focused cchunks
4. Write tests first, lock them, and generate code until all teests pass
5. Always review Al output and hard-fix anything that breaks, then tell
   Cursor to use them as examples.
6. Use @file, @folders, @git to scope Cursor's attention to theright
   parts of your codebase.
7. Keep design docs and checklists in cursor/sor/so the agent has full
   context on what to do next.
8. If code is wrong, just write it yourself. Cursor learns faster from edits
   than explanations.
9. Use chat history to iterate on old prompts without starting over.
10. Choose models intentionally. Gemini for precision, Claaude for
    breadth.
11. In new or unfamiliar stacks, paste in link to documentaation. Make
    Cursor explain all errors and fixes line by line.
    12.Let big projects index overnight and limit context scope to Ikeep
    performance snappy.
    Structure and control wins (for now)
    Treat Cursor agent like a powerful junior-it can go far, fast, if you show
    it the way.