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Setup

Cursor setup checklist for first-time AI coders.

A good setup makes Cursor feel controlled instead of magical and confusing. Use this checklist before the first serious prompt.

Use a clean project folder

Create a folder for the project and keep it separate from your downloads, desktop clutter, and random experiments. Cursor can read context; give it context worth reading.

Write a tiny README first

Your README should say the goal, the tech stack, the rules, and what not to do. A five-line README can prevent a fifty-message mess later.

Suggested starter README

  • Project goal: build a one-page landing site for a local service.
  • Stack: plain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript until the first version works.
  • Rule: ask before adding dependencies.
  • Rule: explain commands before running them.
  • Definition of done: page works on desktop and mobile.

Privacy and account settings

Check privacy mode and plan settings inside Cursor. When you work with private client code, sensitive business data, or anything regulated, do not assume defaults are right for you. Confirm the current Cursor data-use settings before pasting private material.

First command rule

Do not blindly paste terminal commands. Ask Cursor what the command does, why it is needed, and what the rollback is. That habit is what separates a useful AI workflow from a risky one.

FAQ

Should I import all VS Code extensions?

Only import what you need. Too many extensions can create noise during a first-week learning path.

Should Cursor edit multiple files at once?

Yes, but only after you understand the plan. For beginners, smaller file edits are easier to review.

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