Worked walkthrough: write a Cursor rule the model can actually use
Write a practical Cursor rule that changes default behavior without overfitting to one ticket.
A vague rule cannot reliably alter Cursor’s default behavior. Scope + action + rationale + example Common trap: writing slogan rules like “keep it clean” or ticket rules that should never become defaults. Define scope Name the repo area or work type the rule applies to, such as “marketing pages” or “API handlers.” Scope prevents the rule from leaking into surfaces where it should not dominate. State the action Describe the default behavior in operational language, not values language. The model needs an instruction it can apply while editing, not a principle it can admire. Add rationale Explain why the…
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