Cursor

Context

Uses open files, explicit @ references, codebase search/indexing, terminal output, web tools, MCP, and rules included in the model context.

Actions

Searches and edits files, proposes or applies multi-file changes, runs terminal commands, and calls configured MCP servers.

Execution

IDE and CLI actions run against the local workspace unless a separate remote or external tool provides another environment.

Memory & rules

Versioned project rules live in .cursor/rules; Cursor also supports user rules and a root AGENTS.md. Rules are repeated context, not permanent model memory.

Permissions

IDE modes and tool settings govern interaction; Cursor CLI supports allow/deny permissions for shell commands and file reads/writes, with deny rules taking precedence.

Verification

In-editor diff review, terminal commands, error-fixing tools, and local checkpoints. Checkpoints cover Agent changes only and are not a replacement for Git.

Best for

• Interactive pair programming
• Visual review of multi-file diffs
• Developers who want AI embedded in their editor

Limitations

• Editorial judgment: long unattended tasks when the IDE session is not an appropriate execution host
• Editorial judgment: sourced web research as the primary deliverable