Some time ago, we shared a blog on Cursor 1.0, our first deep dive into how this AI-powered code editor can make development smoother. That post received an incredible response. Many of you reached out asking for more advanced prompts and workflow ideas to push Cursor’s capabilities even further.
So here we are with Part 2. This time, we’re going beyond the basics, and the focus is on practical prompts, new features, and workflow hacks that can make your day-to-day work in Cursor more efficient and enjoyable.
Agent Mode, Your Coding Partner
In Part 1, we touched on Agent Mode as your AI pair programmer. Now, let’s dig into how you can make it handle entire multi-file features without micromanaging.
Pro tips:
Keep the scope tight. Feed only the files needed to avoid cluttering its focus
Break big request into smaller, clear step
Use / to pull in relevant files instantly
If it veers off course, nudge it back with follow-up instructions instead of restarting from scratch
Crafting Prompts That Get the Job Done
Cursor is as good as the instructions you give it. A solid prompt:
States the task clearly
Adds only the context needed
Shows an example when possible
Mentions the desired output format
For complex builds, try Test-driven Development with Cursor, ask it to write the test first, then build code to make that test pass. It’s a smart way to prevent bugs from sneaking in.
MCP Servers Expanding Cursor’s Capabilities
This is where Cursor starts to feel like your entire dev environment in one place. Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers connect Cursor to external tools. Just like managing GitHub pull requests, updating Slack, or checking your Notion docs, without ever switching windows.
Some worth trying:
GitHub MCP for repo automation
Notion MCP for quick project references
Slack MCP for updates and pings
Composio MCP Hub for access to 100+ pre-set integrations
Voice-powered Development, Speaking Your Code Into Existence
With tools like Whisper or SuperWhisper, you can dictate detailed tasks, include constraints, and add testing requirements, all hands-free. This works especially well for multi-step builds where describing the big picture is faster than typing it all out.
Advanced Agent Mode, Managing End-to-End Features
The 2025 Agent Mode can now:
Run long processes in the background
Track dependencies between files automatically
Execute terminal commands directly
Detect and include only relevant files
You can feed it prompts for entire feature builds, refactors, or migrations, complete with database schemas, APIs, and frontend components, and it will handle the entire flow.
Notepads and .cursorrules Personalizing Cursor for Your Projects
Notepads let you save reusable prompts for frequent tasks like code reviews or bug fixes.
The .cursorrules file sits in your project and tells Cursor exactly how you want things done, coding style, structure, and naming conventions. Once set, you don’t have to repeat yourself.
Debugging Made Simple with Cursor
Cursor now makes debugging much more effective:
It can spot common error patterns and suggest direct fixes
It warns about performance and security concerns
It offers multiple fix options so you can choose the safest
For stubborn bugs, combine it with a test-first approach, have Cursor write a failing test for the issue, fix the bug, and re-run to confirm the fix sticks.
Memory Banks Keeping Your Project Context
One of the frustrations with AI tools is losing context between sessions. Cursor’s memory files store key architecture decisions, patterns, and critical functions so you never have to re-explain them. This is perfect for large projects that run over weeks or months.
Shortcuts & Settings, The Small Wins
Memorize these three and you’ll instantly work faster:
⌘K / Ctrl+K – Quick edits on selected code
⌘I / Ctrl+I – Open Agent with selected code context
/ – Add all open files to the context in one go
Tweak your rules, try experimental features, and keep your .cursorrules up to date to make Cursor feel tailored to your workflow.
Final Word
Part 1 was about getting comfortable with Cursor. Part 2 is about making it your daily workhorse. These advanced prompts, deeper features, and workflow upgrades aren’t theory, they’re what developers are using right now to code faster, fix smarter, and manage projects without juggling a dozen apps.
If you’re ready to try everything in this guide, here’s your resource: Download Cursor AI Guide Part 2
Share this post