Cursor Development Toolkit: Core Tips for Efficient Workflows

Introduction

As a full-stack developer, I frequently need to switch between different development tools and environments in my daily work. Traditional development processes often require switching back and forth between multiple windows such as IDEs, terminals, and version control tools, which not only disrupts my thought process but also severely impacts development efficiency. Until I discovered Cursor, a revolutionary AI programming tool that perfectly integrates core functions such as code editing, terminal operations, and version control, helping me establish a one-stop development workflow. This tutorial will reveal the core features and usage tips of Cursor, helping you create an efficient and smooth development experience.

1. Advanced Applications of the Intelligent Code Editor

Concept Introduction

Cursor’s code editor is built on VS Code and integrates powerful AI capabilities, enabling intelligent code completion, refactoring optimization, and more.

Core Operation Steps

1. Enable AI code completion 2. Use shortcut keys to trigger code refactoring 3. Configure personalized coding rules

Code Example

# Using Cursor's AI completion feature

def calculate_total(items):
    total = 0
    # Cursor intelligently infers the loop structure
    for item in items:
        if item.is_valid():
            total += item.price
    return total

# Using refactoring shortcut key to optimize code

def process_order(order):
    # Press Alt+Enter to trigger refactoring suggestions
    items = order.get_items()
    total = calculate_total(items)
    return format_response(total)

💡 Tip: Use `Ctrl+Space` to trigger AI code completion at any time.

2. Efficient Use of the Integrated Terminal

Concept Introduction

Cursor comes with a powerful built-in terminal that supports multi-session management and intelligent command prompts.

Operation Steps

1. Open the integrated terminal (Ctrl+`) 2. Create multiple terminal sessions 3. Use intelligent command completion

Command Example

# Create a new development branch
git checkout -b feature/new-module

# Start the development server
npm run dev

# Run test cases
python -m pytest tests/

⚠️ Note: Please ensure that the terminal’s working directory is consistent with the project root directory.

3. Visual Management of Version Control

Concept Introduction

Cursor provides an intuitive Git operation interface, making version control simple and efficient.

Core Features

1. File change tracking 2. View commit history 3. Branch management and merging

Operation Example

// Version control process after modifying code
function updateFeature() {
    // 1. View changes in the source code panel
    // 2. Stage modified files
    // 3. Commit changes and push
    console.log("Feature updated successfully");
}

📌 Key Reminder: Develop a habit of frequently committing code to avoid loss of code.

Conclusion

Core Points

1. Fully utilize AI-assisted coding features 2. Master terminal multi-session management skills 3. Proficiently use visual tools for version control

Practice Suggestions

1. Try using AI completion to complete a small project 2. Practice using the terminal to execute common development commands 3. Simulate team collaboration scenarios to familiarize yourself with Git workflows

Practice Guidance

Readers are encouraged to start with a simple project and gradually familiarize themselves with Cursor’s various features. Focus first on code editing and terminal operations, then gradually introduce advanced features such as version control. Remember to use shortcut keys frequently, as this can greatly enhance development efficiency.

Through this tutorial, I believe you have mastered the core features of Cursor. Next, you need to practice in real projects to gradually form an efficient development workflow that suits you. If you encounter any issues, feel free to discuss in the comments section.