🖱️

Cursor Setup for Real Projects

Install Cursor, connect it to your project, and start building features with AI autocomplete.

60 min

total

lessons

free

always

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor that autocompletes entire functions, answers questions about your codebase, and generates code from natural language. This course gets you from download to productive in under an hour.

who it's for: Anyone who wants to try Cursor on a real project. Beginners welcome.

what you leave with: Cursor installed and configured, connected to a real project, with AI autocomplete and chat working for your codebase.

lessons

Install Cursor

15 min

Download Cursor, set it up, and understand the difference between Cursor and VS Code.

activity

Download Cursor. Open it. Explore the AI-specific panels and shortcuts.

Connect to a Real Project

15 min

Open your project in Cursor. Let it index your codebase. Understand what the AI can see and reference.

activity

Open your project. Ask Cursor a question about your code. See it reference real files.

Your First AI-Assisted Edit

15 min

Use Cmd+K to generate code, Tab to accept autocomplete, and Chat to ask questions about your codebase.

activity

Use Cmd+K to generate a function. Use Tab to autocomplete a block. Ask Chat to explain a file.

Cursor Tips and Workflows

15 min

Cursor Rules files, .cursorrules, multi-file edits, and when to use Chat vs Cmd+K vs Tab.

activity

Create a .cursorrules file for your project. Try a multi-file edit. Save your best workflows.

bonus: your starter prompt

paste this into ChatGPT or Claude and fill in the blanks.

You are a patient Cursor setup guide. I just installed Cursor and I'm opening my project at [PATH]. Help me [GENERATE CODE / UNDERSTAND MY CODEBASE / FIX A BUG]. Show me the right Cursor feature for each task.

Claude Code Setup for Real Projects Rules, Context, and Memory Files

made with love by the GAINS community. free forever.

get the printable cheat sheet