Cursor Setup
Configure Cursor IDE with StarterApp context engineering.
StarterApp includes Cursor IDE integration through custom rules in .cursor/rules/. The configuration directs Cursor to read llms/CORE.md for codebase patterns, enabling context-aware code generation and AI chat responses.
Automatic Context Loading
Cursor reads .cursor/rules/core.mdc automatically when opening the project. The file instructs Cursor to load architectural patterns, security requirements, and template references from the /llms/ directory.
Installation
Download and install Cursor IDE:
Visit cursor.com ↗ and download the installer for the operating system
Run the installer. Cursor is built on VS Code, providing familiar interface and compatibility.
Launch Cursor and open the StarterApp project folder
The .cursor/rules/ configuration loads automatically, providing codebase context
Authentication
Configure AI model access:
VS Code Migration
Import existing VS Code configuration:
Open Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P or Ctrl+Shift+P)
Search for "Import VS Code Settings"
Select settings, extensions, and keybindings to import
Cursor transfers configuration automatically
Pro Tip
Cursor maintains compatibility with VS Code extensions. Most extensions work without modification.
Context Configuration
Custom Rules
The .cursor/rules/core.mdc file provides repository-specific context:
---
description: Core AI Agent Rules
globs:
alwaysApply: true
---
[CRITICAL] Read all lines of `llms/CORE.md` and execute its instructions.Cursor reads this file automatically and loads codebase patterns from llms/CORE.md. The instruction directs Cursor to:
AI Features
Chat Interface
Open AI chat with Cmd+L or Ctrl+L:
Inline Editing
Trigger inline AI editing with Cmd+K or Ctrl+K:
Pro Tip
Accept inline suggestions with Tab. Reject with Esc. Cycle alternatives with Cmd+Option+[ and Cmd+Option+].
Command Execution
Execute StarterApp workflows through natural language:
Keyboard Shortcuts
Essential shortcuts for Cursor:
Recommended Extensions
Install extensions for optimal StarterApp development:
Validation Workflow
Verify generated code meets quality standards:
# Type safety
pnpm typecheck
# Code quality
pnpm lint
# Test execution
pnpm test
# Build verification
pnpm build
# Run all checks
pnpm validateThe pnpm validate command runs all checks sequentially and reports failures.
Best Practices
Next Steps
After Cursor IDE setup:
AI Workflow Overview
Learn AI-assisted development patterns using templates, commands, and context engineering.
Template System
Production-ready code patterns for authentication, billing, and data operations.
Environment Setup
Configure service credentials and environment variables for development.